2 November 2010  •  The destructive Fourmile Fire, which erupted in the foothills west of Boulder on Labor Day, 6 September, sent a thick plume of smoke as far downwind as Nebraska and Iowa—and directly over NCAR’s chemistry labs. As smoke permeated the air, scientists took measurements from the roof, seeking to glean new insights into the particles and gases emitted by a wildland fire burning natural vegetation and built structures.

NCAR scientist James Hannigan examines a solar tracker on the roof of the center's chemistry building that directs infrared radiation to an interferometer in the building. The instrument takes measurements of airborne gases including those generated by the wildfire. (Photo by David Hosansky, UCAR.)

Data from the lab’s spectrometers can provide information about more than a dozen gases that may be emitted in a plume, such as methanol, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Such gases can have serious effects on human health and the environment, as well as potentially influence climate. The scientists also used a photometer to analyze optical depth—a measurement that can be used to infer the quantity and size of particles in the atmosphere.

The data can help scientists better understand the impacts of wildfire plumes on our atmosphere, as well as on human health and climate. Recent research by NCAR scientists Christine Wiedinmyer and Gabriele Pfister, along with colleagues at NCAR and other organizations, has found that wildland fires can worsen air quality for thousands of miles downwind. The particles and gases in large-scale fires can also influence climate, both by affecting the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface and by releasing carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

“As destructive as this event is, it also gives us a rare opportunity to learn more about fire emissions,” Wiedinmyer said as the fire unfolded. “We’re hoping for everyone’s safety, and working to learn as much as we can.”

See all News