Smoke from prescribed fires shouldn’t count against states’ compliance with federal air quality standards, EPA said Thursday in a memo to regional offices.
The policy guidance, signed by Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Aaron Szabo, asserts that state-level air quality implementation plans shouldn’t interfere with the use of prescribed fire to lessen wildfire risks.
“Strategic wildland fire management, including the use of prescribed fire as a mitigation tool, has become increasingly important for protecting communities and natural resources,” the agency said.
EPA regional offices are expected to engage with state officials to discuss approaches to attainment under the Clean Air Act that don’t limit the use of prescribed fire in wildland settings, according to the memo.
