Estimating the Air Quality Impacts of Forest Fires in Alberta

Levelton Consultants Ltd. (Levelton) was retained by Alberta Environment (AENV) in collaboration with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) to evaluate the air quality impacts of two forest fires in Alberta. The project included developing emission estimates of particulate matter, estimating emission rates, modelling meteorology and plume dispersion, and comparing the results to available air quality data.

Based on a set of developed criteria, two case studies were identified: “The Chisholm Fire”, (May 2001) and “The Lost Creek Fire” (July-August 2003). The emissions estimates for both fires were derived from the Spatial Fire Management System (SFMS) using the Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) system. Using documentation of the fires, the sources were parameterized and the CALMET/CALPUFF modelling system applied for selected periods of the fire. The results indicated a good comparison between measured air quality and predicted results.

This presentation will focus on the processes used to determine emissions from past forest fires in Alberta, and parameterization of these emissions into a dispersion model to estimate ground level concentrations of pollutants. Fire growth modelling techniques using Prometheus – the Canadian Wildland Fire Growth Model, and recommendations for future applications will also be explored.