Western Canada is currently grappling with a massive wildfire that has ravaged vast areas, threatening communities, wildlife, and natural resources. Routers found about 10.6 million acres already burn, and the dry conditions are expected to stay around. The inferno blazed across Canada in recent days, rapidly spreading the NOAA satellites monitored more than 400 fires. Fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, the wildfire has shown little mercy, consumed vast swaths of forest and jeopardized the livelihoods and homes of many. Experts suggest that if the fires follow the weather pattern the peak will be during the hot months of July and August.
The unprecedented scale and intensity of the fire have spurred emergency response efforts across the affected regions. According to a report by The New York Times, the smoke has enveloped the northeastern region of the U.S. turning into a haze that has reached as far as Florida. STC utilized the spatiotemporal infrastructure built to produce an air pollution replica based on in-situ and satellite observation with air quality analytics with relevant projects sponsored by NASA AIST and NCCS.
Air quality animation. Based on in-situ ground sensor, shows the impact evolution of air quality from Boston, New York, Washington DC, to the Carolinas during June 5-10, 2023.