An optimization approach to prescribed burning for mitigating PM_2.5 emissions in wildfire management

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Forestry
• Public Health

Background:

• Prescribed burning manages forest fuels but generates PM2.5 emissions, posing health risks.
• Balancing wildfire hazard reduction with PM2.5 impacts is crucial for effective forest management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of prescribed burning PM2.5 emissions on total net costs.
• To develop an optimization model for strategic prescribed burning to minimize emission costs.

Main Methods:

• Developed an optimization model quantifying prescribed burning implementation and PM2.5 social costs.
• Applied the model to Oregon in 2021, analyzing prescribed burning extent and emission impacts.

Main Results:

• Prescribed burning reduced wildfire emissions and social costs by 65.30% with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.35.
• Optimal prescribed burning extent reduced total net costs by 25.68%, requiring a 15.65% acreage increase.
• Over-implementation of prescribed burning increased net costs due to elevated PM2.5 social costs and adverse health outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Prescribed burning strategies significantly influence PM2.5 emissions.
• Integrating emission assessments into fire management planning is critical for minimizing adverse health and environmental impacts.