Air Quality

FOREST FIRE SMOKE IN THE INTERIOR

The Fairbanks North Star Borough will experience highly variable levels of forest fire smoke, (PM2.5 fine particulate), as smoke from forest fires in the Interior blow in and out of the Borough area.  Levels will vary from area to area, depending on the wind direction.

For the current PM2.5 values, please visit the Borough Air Quality Current Conditions and Map page:  http://data.fnsb.us/airquality/AQNearRealTime. You can then click on the Fairbanks or North Pole pins to see the current AQI, and click on the “More Instrument Data” for hourly details.   

The Air Quality Guide to Particle (PM2.5) Pollution with Cautionary and Health Statements can be found on the Air Quality 3 Day Forecast Page:   

www.fnsb.gov/444/Air-Quality-Forecast  

Another tool you may find helpful is to visit this PM2.5 forecasting model, http://smoke.alaska.edu/PM25.html, click on “Forecasts,” then click on “Particulate Matter PM2.5.”   You can pause the model run and go hourly into the future forecast by hitting the double >> button.

 Please keep in mind a few details while using these tools:

1. Just as temperature is shown in different scales (Fahrenheit and Celsius), air quality data has two different scales (AQI and micrograms per meter cubed). For health statements please be sure you are reading the air quality data in the AQI scale.
2. Air Quality conditions can vary dramatically from one location to another and change more rapidly than monitor data reflects. While the monitor data and forecasts provide general guidance, conditions at specific locations should be assessed on site. (i.e. if the monitors are reading good air quality but the air is hazy and you can smell smoke take appropriate actions such as limiting prolonged exertion).
3. While every effort is made to accurately forecast the Air Quality, it is just a forecast and prone to the same margin of error as a weather forecast.

 For any other questions please call the FNSB Air Quality Office at 459-1005.