Prescribed burns may generate over 20% of fine particle pollution in southeastern US

Prescribed fires are vital for reducing wildfire risk and sustaining forest biodiversity.

But they also contribute significantly to air pollution and smoke exposure, according to new research from the University of Georgia.

The issue is especially pertinent to the southeastern United States, where 60% of all prescribed fires in the country occur.

More than 20% of the fine-particle pollution in the southeastern U.S. can be attributed to prescribed burns, the study found. ...