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The Tick Fire in Santa Clarita, CA burns out of control near a residential area on October 24th, 2019

Developing an early warning system for wildfire smoke pollution

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Wildfire smoke pollution poses significant health risks. Current early warning systems have limitations in spatial resolution and real-time response. This project aims to develop an autonomous aerial tracking system that dynamically follows wildfire smoke plumes. Researchers will create a proof-of-concept for an aerial air pollution sampling system integrated into a real-time forecasting method. The system will be demonstrated in a prescribed wildfire at Berkeley Forests, aiming to improve early warnings and protect vulnerable communities.

Project: Autonomous Aerial Tracking of Smoke Plumes for Real-time Prediction of Air Quality and Health Risks from Wildfires
Funding Source: Environmental Venture Projects 
Funding Year: 2024 
Research Areas: Climate, Public Health
Regions: North America

Research Team:
Matthias Ihme (Mechanical Engineering), 
Grace Gao (Aeronautics & Astronautics)

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