Observations of fire‐induced turbulence regimes during low‐intensity wildland fires in forested environments: implications for smoke dispersion

Abstract

AbstractLow‐intensity wildland fires occurring beneath forest canopies can result in particularly adverse local air‐quality conditions. Ambient and fire‐induced turbulent circulations play a substantial role in the transport and dispersion of smoke during these fire events. Recent in situ measurements of fire–atmosphere interactions during low‐intensity wildland fires have provided new insight into the structure of fire‐induced turbulence regimes and how forest overstory vegetation can affect the horizontal and vertical dispersion of smoke. In this paper, we provide a summary of the key turbulence observations made during two low‐intensity wildland fire events that occurred in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.