Smoke from Western Wildfires and Particulate Matter Concentrations
This presentation summarizes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration data obtained during three major wildfires in 2018 and 2020. The fires occurred in the western United States and resulted in elevated PM2.5 concentrations across large geographic areas. Data were extracted from EPA's Air Quality System from regulatory-grade air monitors located in areas impacted by the smoke. The data summarized includes: the time period that PM2.5 concentrations were elevated; the average concentrations of PM2.5 during the time period the wildfire was actively burning, the number of monitors exceeding certain PM2.5 levels, and the peak PM2.5 concentrations.