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NCAR scientists are studying wildfires in order to forecast fire-weather interactions.
On the afternoon of June 23, 2010, winds from the east began stirring up the Medano Fire in Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colorado, blowing smoke toward the dunes. The fire, which had consumed about 5,000 acres in a remote section of the park, was apparently started by lightning. Firefighters kept a close eye on the blaze but generally let it burn in the mountains since periodic fires are important for forest health. NCAR scientists are studying wildfires to forecast fire-weather interactions, assess emissions, and understand the social impacts. NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
Credit: David Hosansky, NCAR
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