Impact of 2007 wildfires on air quality in Georgia

The southeastern United States experienced exceptional wildfire activity during the spring of 2007. The majority of the fire activity was confined to a large complex of fires in southeast Georgia/ northern Florida but the air quality impacts of these fires were far reaching. Severe drought in this region enhanced the fuel loading in this region by making vast quantities of organic soil matter available as fuel. This unique additional component of the fuel bed greatly enhanced emissions from the fire. This study will examine the impact of these fires on air quality in Georgia. Monitoring data on ozone and particulate matter are examined in comparison to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).