EPA-450/3-74-062
NOVEMBER 1974
EMISSIONS INVENTORY
FROM FOREST WILDFIRES,
FOREST MANAGED BURNS,
AND AGRICULTURAL BURNS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Air and Waste Management
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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EPA-4 50/3-74-062
EMISSIONS INVENTORY
FROM FOREST WILDFIRES,
FOREST MANAGED BURNS,
AND AGRICULTURAL BURNS
by
George Yamate
IIT Research Institute
10 West 35th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Contract No. 68-02-1389
EPA Project Officer: William Vatavuk
Prepared for
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Air and Waste Management
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, N. C. 27711
November 1974
i •>*•«!
V',?*
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This report is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency to report
technical data of interest to a limited number of readers. Copies are
available free of charge to Federal employees, current contractors and
grantees, and nonprofit organizations - as supplies permit - from the
Air Pollution Technical Information Center, Environmental Protection
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; or, for a fee,
from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road,
Springfield, Virginia 22161.
This report was furnished to the Environmental Protection Agency by
the IIT Research Institute, in fulfillment of Contract No. 68-02-1389.
The contents of this report are reproduced herein as received from
the IIT Research Institute. The opinions, findings, and conclusions
expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the
Environmental Protection Agency. Mention of company or product
names is not to be considered as an endorsement by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Publication No. EPA-450/3-74-062
11
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FOREWORD
This final report has been prepared for the Environmental
Protection Agency, under Contract No. 68-02-1389, to describe
work performed on IITRI Project No. C6306, "An Inventory of
Emissions from Forest Wildfires, Forest Managed Burns, and
Agricultural Burns". The work was performed during the period
29 January 1974 to 28 August 1974.
The cooperation, help, and contributions of many federal,
state, and industry personnel were invaluable and gratefully
acknowledged.
We also appreciate and acknowledge the guidance and help
of C. 0. Mann, William Vatavuk, Project Officer, and James
Southerland, Chief, Emissions Section, National Air Data
Branch of the EPA, during the course of the program.
Respectfully submitted,
IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE
George ffama/t'e
Associate Chemist
Fine Particles Research
Approved by
fohn D. Stockham
'Manager
Fine Particles Research
111
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TABLES OF CONTENTS
Page No
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION 1
DISCUSSION 2
Background 2
Overview of Methodology 2
Information and Data Search 4
Data Retrieval and Evaluation 4
RESULTS 6
Alabama 6
Alaska 8
Arizona 8
Arkansas 8
California 8
Colorado 9
Connecticut 9
Delaware 9
District of Columbia 10
Florida 10
Georgia 10
Hawaii 10
Idaho 11
Illinois 11
Indiana 11
Iowa 11
Kansas 12
Kentucky 12
Louisiana 12
Maine 12
Maryland 13
Massachusetts 13
Michigan 13
Minnesota 14
Mississippi 14
Missouri 14
Montana 15
Nebraska 15
Nevada 15
New Hampshire 15
New Jersey 16
New Mexico 16
New York 16
North Carolina 16
North Dakota 17
Ohio 17
Oklahoma 17
Oregon 17
Pennsylvania 18
IV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page No
Puerto Rico 18
Rhode Island 18
South Carolina 18
South Dakota 19
Tennessee 19
Texas 19
Utah 20
Vermont 20
Virginia 20
Washington 20
West Virginia ..... 21
Wisconsin 21
Wyoming 21
American Samoa 22
Guam 22
Virgin Islands 22
CONCLUSIONS 23
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK 24
ABSTRACT 25
v
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AN INVENTORY OF EMISSIONS FROM FOREST WILDFIRES,
FOREST MANAGED BURNS, AND AGRICULTURAL BURNS
SUMMARY
This project was conducted to complete the National
Emissions Data System (NEDS) area source inventories on emis-
sions from forest wildfires, forest managed burns, and agricul-
tural burns for each of the 55 states and territories. The
objective was to obtain and provide reliable data and informa-
tion on acreages burned and tons of fuel burned per acre for
each of the categories in the approximately 3,100 counties and
other jurisdictional entities in the country.
The data and information was obtained from the U.S. Forest
Service; Bureau of Land Management; Bureau of Indian Affairs;
and the various state forestry, agricultural, and environmental
agencies. A limited number of industry (trade associations),
academic, and independent personnel were contacted for specific
information.
The information retrieved were evaluated and the most
reliable selected for use. Where source data values conflicted,
adjustments were made. Estimates were derived for states on
the basis of land area, forest area, farm and crop area, and
verbal descriptions of the fire activity. No estimates were
made where no data whatsoever was available.
The pertinent data were entered on area source coding
forms provided by the Project Officer and using his data entry
guidelines. These completed source coding forms were then
VI
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forwarded to the Project Officer for examination, comments,
corrections, and final use.
This report summarizes the information on the area source
coding forms for 55 states and territories, the information
source or sources, and if an estimating and/or proportioning
method were utilized. The state forest wildfire information
was adjusted to an average 10-year value as calculated from the
Federal "Wildfire Statistics" which is published annually by
the U.S. Forest Service, Division of Cooperative Forest Fire
Control. County breakdowns for the states were either supplied
by state personnel or estimated on the basis of verbal or pub-
lished references to the specific burning practice in that
state.
VI1
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AN INVENTORY OF EMISSIONS FROM FOREST WILDFIRES,
FOREST MANAGED BURNS, AND AGRICULTURAL BURNS
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this project was to obtain and provide
reliable data and information on acreages burned and tons of
fuel burned per acre for each of the approximately 3,100
counties and other jurisdictional entities in the 55 states
and territories. This information will then be utilized in
conjunction with emission factors developed in a previous pro-
gram in order to obtain air pollutant emissions information
from forest wildfires, forest managed burns, and agricultural
burns.
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DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
The National Air Data Branch is charged with the responsi-
bility of collecting, analyzing, and storing air pollutant
emissions information on sources located in the 55 states and
territories. Area source inventories have been made for each
state and territory. Only 11 contain data on emissions from
forest wildfires, forest managed burns, and agricultural burns.
To complete the area source inventories, reliable data on
emissions and their related information (acreages burned and
tons of fuel burned per acre) is necessary for each of the
approximately 3,100 counties and other jurisdictional entities
in the states and territories. This will then supplement and
refine the National Emission Data Bank (NEDB) county area
source inventories.
OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY
The data and information was obtained from the U.S. Forest
Service; Bureau of Land Management; Bureau of Indian Affairs;
and the various state forestry, agricultural, and environmental
agencies. A limited number of trade associations, academic,
and independent personnel were contacted for specific fire
information. The data and information were obtained as publi-
cations, copies of annual and summary reports, copies of survey
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reports, state emission reports, and verbal reports.
The data were evaluated and the most reliable selected for
use. When necessary, adjustments and proportions were utilized
to equate federal and state values. In many states where
agriculture is economically important and/or geographically
distant from urban centers, there was a distinct lack of know-
ledge or information on forestry or agriculturally related
burning practices, Many state environmental agencies were
unaware of agricultural or forest burning practices in their
state. Where possible, estimates were made where information
was not available but some base could be obtained to make an
estimate.
The pertinent data were entered on area source coding
forms. The area coding forms, background coding information,
and data entry guidelines were provided by the Project Officer.
The completed source coding forms were forwarded to the Project
Officer for examination, comments, and final use.
This report summarizes information on the area source
coding forms, the information source or sources, and if an
estimating and/or proportioning method was utilized. The state
forest wildfire information was directly related to an average
10-year value as calculated from the Federal "Wildfire Statistics1
which is published annually by the U.S. Forest Service, Division
of Cooperative Forest Fire Control. County breakdown for the
states were either supplied by state personnel or estimated on
the basis of verbal or published references of the burning
practices in that state.
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INFORMATION AND DATA SEARCH
The information search was initiated in several directions.
The literature sources were reviewed for information on forest
wildfires, forest managed burning, and especially agricultural
burning activities. Letters requesting information were sent
to distant areas (non-continguous United States) where tele-
phone contact would be difficult. Telephone calls were made to
contacts established in a previous program for further informa-
tion, referrals, and new sources of information. When necessary,
various state environmental, forestry, and agricultural agencies
were contacted in order to obtain additional needed information.
Personal interviews were limited when it was discovered
that no single source had enough available information to war-
rant the travel expenditure. It was estimated that a minimum
of two or three on-site personal interviews were necessary for
each state in order to obtain the desired information. There
was also no way of being assured that the information, if
present, would be available or given freely. Therefore, the
bulk of the information requests were made over the telephone
with a follow-up letter when requested or suggested.
DATA RETRIEVAL AND EVALUATION
If possible, the acres burned and tons of fuel burned per
acre in each of the three categories of forest wildfires, for-
est managed burns, and agricultural burns were obtained for
each of the counties or fire districts in the state. If data
was available, a five-year or 10-year summary was made in order
to average the variable burning behavior; otherwise, data for
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an average year (typical) or a record of a recent year was
used. A study of a state's vegetation-topography-fire record
was helpful.
A working summary sheet was prepared for each of the 55
states and territories plus a cumulative state total tally.
The data were evaluated on the basis of number of years record,
county or district breakdown, type of vegetation, and complete-
ness of state coverage. If the fire record was for a number of
years, the average was taken. In the wildfire category, this
average was apportioned over the state or proportioned to equal
the federal 10-year average for the state,
ilany states do not have records on agricultural burning
activities or forest managed burns. Some states have very poor
records on wildfire activities. Lastly, fuel consumption in a
fire (tons of fuel burned per acre) is an unknown data for most
of the states in all three categories. Regional results of a
previous study were utilized to obtain county and state values
for these unknowns.
In states exempting agricultural burning from air quality
regulations in addition to states where officials were unaware
of burning activity as part of a standard cultural practice,
no numerical value or estimates were made and the corresponding
appropriate spaces in the area coding forms were left blank.
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RESULTS
Area source coding forms were filled out for all 55 states
and territories; with the exceptions of Arizona, Nevada, and
Oregon. Results from these three states had been placed in
the National Emission Data Bank (NEDB) country area source
inventories previous to the start of this program by other
contractors.
The following is a brief reference to the major information
sources in the respective states and territories. Table 1
summarizes the data which was collected.
ALABAMA
The Alabama Forestry Commission provided a five-year
(1969-73) data for wildfire acreage burned by country. The
average was calculated and then proportioned to equal the
10-year average Federal Wildfire Statistic for Alabama. The
prescribed burning and the agricultural burn data were esti-
mates of these burning activities obtain in several surveys
made by the U.S. Forest Service, Southeastern Area, State and
Private Forestry. County breakdowns were estimated on the
basis of forestry and agricultural activities in the state.
Fuel loadings in all three categories were estimates prepared
in an earlier study.
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1
(Code
01
i 02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
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14
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16
: 17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
• 25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41 ,
42 j
43 !
44 I
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54 !
55
1
Table 1. SUMMARY OF DATA
r ------ - ' .... |
I Forest Wildfires i Managed Burning
States and Acres
Territories t? cres
Burned
Alabama 151,150
Alaska 783,994
Arizona 1 38,051
Arkansas ! 139,970
California •. 162,070
Colorado 11,106
Connecticut 1,982
Delaware 1 307
District of
Columbia 1,000
Florida : 703,490
Georgia 61 , 123
Hawaii 11,015
Idaho 120,892
Illinois 13,881
Indiana i 10,812
Iowa 4,200
Kansas 292,279
Kentucky 75,750
Louisiana 108,107
Maine 3,696
Maryland ' 2,699
Massachusetts 10,184
Michigan 9,314
Minnesota ! 37 , 347
Mississippi 116,479
Missouri 319,530
Montana 27,102
Nebraska 88,911
Nevada • 24 , 643
New Hampshire 760
New Jersey 31, 325
New Mexico : 26,483
New York , 7,331
North Carolina 111,209
North Dakota 2,096
Ohio 6,247
Oklahoma : 514,772
Oregon 43,658
Pennsylvania 15,609
Puerto Rico 0
Rhode Island : 1,311
South Carolina 64,645
South Dakota 15,891
Tennessee 41,003
Texas 42,485
Utah 16,707
Vermont 366
Virginia 14,910
Washington 35,917
West Virginia 82,475
Wisconsin ! 8,322
Wyoming 18,538
American Samoa , *
Guam 0
U.S. Virgin
Islands 0
Total U.S.A. j 4,433,144
Tons/
Acre
Burned
9
11
10
9
18
30
7
2
2
6
9
Acres
Burned
208,505
Vc
**
54,736
12,104
-,'c*
0
950
0
718,877
724,616
4 0
60 27,906
11
11 0
6 0
3 0
11
9 220,791
9 0
7 0
11 0
11 3,831
11 **
9 ! 168,890
5 **
49 ! 47,000
3 0
g /v/v
8 0
10 20,000
10 **
11 0
9 117,175
: 3 1,998
11
0
3 -;--*
60 26,125
11 0
0 0
7 | 0
9
4
i 9
388,704
**
**
6 83,255
8 *
! 8
C
61
1 12
11
6
-
0
0
30,964
66,777
0
**
0
*
0
I
0 ! 0
I
(10.4) 2,923,204
.
Tons/
Acre
Burned
3
-
-
3
70
-
0
2
0
4
3
Agricultural
Burning
Acres
Burned
89,000
Tons/
Acre
Burned
2
0 0
**
**
762,862
**
0
210
0
265,000
-
-
3
-
0
10
0
7
974,406 1
0 108,000 12
65 11,849 2
•J.-
0
-
-
0 *
0
-
3
: o
0
0
3
-
600,000 1
VriV
350,000
-
36,400 1
1,500 5
**
/'c/'c
**
3 340,170
**
45
/'o'*
0 **
_
0
3
_
0
3
2
0
-
33
1,950
0
0
**•
0
341,185
/V/'c
**
**
264,170
-
-
2
-
-
-
3
0
0
-
0
2
-
_
-
2
0 **
0
0
3
-
3
_
0
5
34
0
-
0
-
0
0
78,791 8
0 °
**
**
*
-k
100
**
140,801
0
**
**
*
0
0
(5.8) 4,366,394
i ,
_
_
_
_
3
-
2
0
_
-
_
0
0
(2.8)
* Negligible
** No Data Available
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ALASKA
Alaska's wildfire statistics were apportioned on the basis
of a literature study. The basic publication used was:
Barney, Richard J. , "Interior Alaska Wildfires, 1956-1965",
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1969.
Prescribed fire activity is now being experimentally
carried out in the Interior using the Australian Bushfire
system. No agricultural burning activity was noted. Fuel
loadings were estimates obtained in an earlier study.
ARIZONA
Arizona state personnel reported that their data was
already in NEDS and no further up-date has been made,
ARKANSAS
The Arkansas Forestry Commission provided wildfire statis-
tics for five years (1969-73) for their administrative districts
A map was provided to indicate the counties contained within
each district. An apportionment was made for each county in
each administrative district. This estimate was then propor-
tioned to equal the 10-year average of the Federal Wildfire
Statistices. Prescribed burning data were estimates from a
survey made by the U.S. Forest Service, Southeastern Area,
State and Private Forestry. No agricultural burning estimates
were obtained. Fuel loadings were estimates prepared from an
earlier study.
CALIFORNIA
California provided a three inch stack of computer printout
on their burning activities. Their data were complete and
8
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covered all aspects of burning for 1973. However, their wild-
fire data was adjusted proportionately to equal the 10-year
average for California as obtained from the Federal Wildfire
Statistics.
COLORADO
Colorado is now in a period of adjustment in that they are
compiling their state information, Wildfire statistics, pre-
scribed burning, and agricultural burning take place but no
agency or group is aware of the extent of burning or has res-
ponsibility over it. The wildfire statistics for the state
were estimated on the basis of verbal descriptions, land acre-
ages, and the forested acreages. Fuel loadings were estimates
prepared in an earlier study.
CONNECTICUT
The State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental
Protection, provided data on 1972 wildfire acres burned per
town per county. These were proportioned to the 10-year average
burn which took place all on state and private lands. Prescribed
burning and agricultural burning were prohibited in Connecticut.
DELAWARE
The 10-year average wildfire acres burned were obtained
from the Federal Wildfire Statistics. State breakdown of the
various categories were provided by the Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Control. Their categories of
forest fires, marsh fires, and prescribed forestry burning were
stated to be fairly reliable whereas educated guesses were used
for agricultural burning. Their fuel consumptions were used
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in the coding form.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Data was verbally provided by the Fire Prevention Division
of Washington, D.C. Most of the wildfires were small acreages
in trees, brushes, and grass along the highways and in the
parks. Managed burning and agricultural burning were prohibited,
FLORIDA
The Division of Forestry, Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, provided extensive data on wildfire and
forestry burning. Data processing equipment will provide more
information later in the year on all open burning that the
Division has jurisdiction over especially agricultural burning.
At present, only the cane fires were reported here since other
agricultural burning data were not available.
GEORGIA
The Georgia Forestry Commission provided information on
open burning in forest and agricultural land. Their district
data was apportioned over the counties. The wildfire statis-
tics were proportioned to equal the Federal Wildfire Statistics.
The prescribed burning statistic was proportioned to equal the
average of three surveys taken by the U.S. Forest Service,
Southeastern Area, State and Private Forestry. Fuel loadings
from an earlier study were utilized for this report.
HAWAII
Hawaii's wildfire statistics were obtained by apportioning
the 10-year average from the Federal Wildfire Statistics to the
various county land acreages. No prescribed burning activity
10
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took place. Agricultural burning takes place with the burning
of sugar cane in all four counties and the burning of pineapple
plant residues in Honolulu and Maui counties, Agricultural
fuel loadings were obtained verbally from cane industry person-
nel, the Hawaii State Department of Health, and cultural practices
IDAHO
Idaho statistics were obtained by estimates and propor-
tioning of data obtained from the Project Officer. The wild-
fire statistics were proportioned to equal the 10-year average
Federal Wildfire Statistics. The forest managed burning and
the agricultural burning were apportioned from a combined
managed burning total on the basis of fuel loading.
ILLINOIS
Illinois wildfire statistics were obtained by apportioning
the 10-year average Federal Wildfire Statistics over the
forested area of the state. Forest managed burning is nil for
the state. Agricultural burning is exempt from regulation but
does not take place as a standard cultural practice.
INDIANA
Indiana wildfire statistics were obtained by apportioning
the 10-year average Federal Wildfire Statistics over the
forested area of the state. No forest managed burning takes
place. Agricultural burning is exempt from regulation.
IOWA
The State Conservation Commission provided information on
the wildfire history for the period 1966-1973 in the counties
of Iowa. Forest managed burning is not a practice, Agricultural
11
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burns for stubble removal and fence row clearing is diminishing,
but no estimates were available,
KANSAS
The wildfire, forest managed, and agricultural burn sta-
tistics for the state were prepared and apportioned on the
basis of verbal descriptions of its extent and locations,
Personnel in Air Quality and Conservation as well as Kansas
State University provided the verbal descriptions,
KENTUCKY
The Division of Forestry, Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Protection, provided wildfire data covering
the five-year period 1969-73, Forest managed burning is nil
and no estimates were available for agricultural burning since
it is not prohibited. Fuel loadings were estimates from an
earlier study.
LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Forestry Commission provided the 10-year
wildfire statistics (1964-73) and the forest managed burning
information (1970). The agricultural burning information was
obtained from the American Sugar Cane League in New Orleans„
MAINE
The Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation, pro-
vided the wildfire statistics for a 10-year period (1964-73).
Forest managed burning is not practiced in this state. The
agricultural burn information was verbally received from the
Department of Agriculture.
12
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MARYLAND
Data and information were obtained from the Bureau of Air
Quality and the Forest Service of the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources. Verbal estimates of fuel loading were ob-
tained with references to Delaware (6 tons/acre) and to West
Virginia (9 tons/acre), A calculated state average of 7„1 tons
per acre were obtained for the state. Forest managed burning
is not practiced in the state. Marsh grass is burned annually
for muskrats in one county,
MASSACHUSETTS
Forest wildfire data for a representative year (1972-73)
by fire protection districts were provided by the Bureau of
Forest Fire Control, Department of Natural Resources. The
statistics were proportioned for the counties and equated to
the federal statistics. Forest managed burning is not prac-
ticed and no estimate was possible for agricultural burning
activity. Fuel loading was an estimate obtained in an earlier
study.
MICHIGAN
Wildfire (1972) and forest managed burn (1973) statistics
were provided by the Forest Fire Division, Department of Natural
Resources, The wildfire data closely represents the last five-
year average and were equated to the federal statistics,
Managed burn data were initiated in 1973, No estimate was
possible for agricultural burning activity Fuel loadings were
verbal assents to estimates prepared in an earlier study.
13
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MINNESOTA
Minnesota is also undergoing adjustment in compiling state
information, The wildfire statistics for the state were appor-
tioned on the basis of verbal descriptions of its extent and
locations in the state. No estimates were obtained of the
extent of forest managed or agricultural burning. Fuel loadings
were estimates prepared in an earlier study.
MISSISSIPPI
The Mississippi Forestry Commission provided county data
for five years (1969-73) for wildfires, a statewide estimate
for prescribed forestry burning, and a fire protection dis-
trict map of the state. Agricultural burning statistics were
estimates from the U.S. Forest Service, Southeastern Area,
State and Private Forestry. Wildfire data was proportioned to
equal the federal statistics whereas forest managed burns and
agricultural burns were estimated on the basis of forestry and
agricultural activities in the state. Fuel loadings in all
three categories were estimates prepared in an earlier study,
MISSOURI
The Department of Conservation provided data and informa-
tion for a six-year period (1967-72) for wildfires. Their
fire statistics are based on protection districts and covers
only half of Missouri. Averages were apportioned to counties
in each district. No estimates were possible for forest
managed and agricultural burns since minimum restrictions are
placed on these activities.
14
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MONTANA
Estimates of wildfire and forest managed burns were made
on the basis of verbal information and literature sources.
Much of the information is not divulged, expecially by the
large land owners. Apportionment of values were made on the
basis of land, forest, and farm acreages. References were made
to the personnel at the University of Montana having access to
but do not have available records of slash burning activity.
No estimates could be made on agricultural burn activity
because less was known of this practice.
NEBRASKA
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of land acreage and verbal descriptions of
its extent and locations in the state. Fuel loading was esti-
mated from a verbal description of the fuel type in the state.
No forest managed burns were reported. No estimates were
available for agricultural burning activity.
NEVADA
Nevada reported that their data was collected by another
contractor and placed in NEDS. Up-dating of information has
not taken place since that time,
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Division of Resources Development of the Department of
Resources and Economic Development provided data and informa-
tion on wildfires. Since data was on a fire district basis,
the values were apportioned to the various counties. Forest
managed and agricultural burning, although permitted, was nil.
15
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NEW JERSEY
The Federal Wildfire -Statistics for the state and the
state estimate of forest managed burns were apportioned to the
counties on the basis of land area and verbal descriptions of
its extent and location. Fuel loadings varied from the Piedmont
region in the north to the Coastal Plains by the ocean. No
agricultural burning was reported,
NEW MEXICO
The Federal Wildfire Statistic for the state was appor-
tioned to the counties on the basis of land area, forested area,
and verbal descriptions. No estimates were obtained for forest
managed burns or agricultural burns. Fuel loading estimates
were from an earlier study.
NEW YROK
The Department of Environmental Conservation provided
data on wildfires in the various counties. The fuel loading
was an estimate from an earlier study. Forest managed and
agricultural burns were nil for the state.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Federal Wildfire Statistics was apportioned to the
counties on the basis of data and information provided by the
Department of Natural and Economic Resources (Forest Service)
for an 11-year period (1963-73). The forest managed and agri-
cultural burn data were estimates obtained in several surveys
made by the U.S. Forest Service, Southeastern Area, State and
Private Forestry. The apportionment was based on census
values, land area, forest area, and verbal descriptions. Fuel
16
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loadings were estimates derived in an earlier study.
NORTH DAKOTA
The Division of Environmental Engineering, Department of
Health, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs provided information
on burning activities in the state. The wildfire and managed
burning statistics were apportioned on the basis of land area,
forested area, and verbal descriptions. Fuel loadings were
estimates based on verbal description of the fuel cover types.
No estimates were obtained for agricultural burning activity.
OHIO
The Division of Forests and Preserves of the Department of
Natural Resources provided data and information on forest wild-
fires for the period 1960-73. The average acres burned for
this period was apportioned to equal the federal 10-year average
Fuel loading was an estimate obtained in an earlier study.
Forest managed burning is nil in the state. No estimate was
possible for agricultural burning activity.
OKLAHOMA
The Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture
provided information on fuel models and wildfire acreage burned
for the period 1970-73. The data was apportioned to each
county on the basis of land area, forested area, and verbal
descriptions of fire activity. No estimate was possible for
forest managed and agricultural burns,
OREGON
Oregon's data was reported in NEDS, Up-dating of informa-
tion was not required.
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PENNSYLVANIA
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned to the counties on the basis of land area, forested
area, and verbal descriptions. Forest managed burns were not
conducted in this state. No estimates were possible for agri-
cultural burning activity. The fuel loading was an estimate
from an earlier study.
PUERTO RICO
Information on fire activity in Puerto Rico was provided
by the Environmental Quality Board. Forest wildfires and
managed burns were rare due to the small acreage and location
in the humid zones. Agricultural burns, especially sugar cane,
is dominant. A breakdown of sugar cane burning activity on
the basis of sugar mill location and U.S. Census Bureau publi-
cations were used in apportioning agricultural burns. Fuel
loading was estimated on the basis of tonnage of cane harvested
per acre and type of harvesting practice (field).
RHODE ISLAND
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of a verbal description of its extent and
location. Approximately two-thirds of the fires occur in Kent
and Washington Counties. Fuel loadings in the state range
from 4-10 tons per acre (7 tons/acre average). Forest managed
and agricultural burns are prohibited.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The State Commission of Forestry provided data on wildfires
and forest managed fires for the five-year period 1969-73.
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The forest type and terrain is similar to North Carolina's.
No estimate was available on the extent of agricultural burning
Fuel loadings were estimates prepared in an earlier study.
SOUTH DAKOTA
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of verbal descriptions of its extent and
locations. The Black Hills region accounts for 85% of the
acreage burned. No estimates were obtained on the extent of
forest managed or agricultural burning since these activities
are permitted. Comments were received that not much of these
activities do take place.
TENNESSEE
The Division of Forestry, Department of Conservation,
provided data on forest wildfires for the period 1960-73. The
data was apportioned to equal the 10-year federal wildfire
average for acres burned. No estimates were available for
forest managed and agricultural burns. The wildfire fuel
loading was an estimate derived in an earlier study.
TEXAS
The Texas Forest Service provided data on various fire
activities in the state. The wildfire data were proportioned
to each county in the district on the basis of acreage and
equated to the federal statistics. The forest managed burns
were similarly equated to the survey estimates of the U.S.
Forest Service, Southeastern Area, State and Private Forestry.
Agricultural burns are prohibited except for variances granted
to the flax and sugar cane industries. However, these
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year-to-year variances were scheduled to end. Fuel loadings
were estimates from forestry personnel and related to an
earlier study.
UTAH
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of land area, forest area, and verbal des-
criptions of its extent and location. Fuel loading was an
estimate derived in an earlier study. No estimate was possible
of forest managed and agricultural burns. These activities
were quoted to be limited in scope.
VERMONT
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of verbal descriptions of its extent and
location. Fuel loading was an estimate derived from an earlier
study as it related to fuel models for the area. Forest
managed burns are nil and only a small amount of agricultural
burning takes place in Addison County.
VIRGINIA
The Division of Forestry, Department of Conservation and
Economic Development provided data and information on forest
wildfires (five-year average) and on forest managed burns (1972)
Estimates of the tons of fuel consumed per acre were supplied
for each type of burn activity. No estimates were available
for agricultural burn activity.
WASHINGTON
The Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural
Resources provided emission and burning data for the state of
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Washington. Supplemental information was obtained from another
contractor working for Region X. Fuel loadings were estimates
from data received and from a previous study.
WEST VIRGINIA
The Department of Natural Resources provided their wild-
fire statistics for the period 1951-73. Their data was propor-
tioned to equate to the federal 10-year wildfire average. The
fuel loadings varied from 9 to 15 tons per acre, westward, and
averaged 12 tons per acre for the state. Forest managed and
agricultural burns were nil for the state.
WISCONSIN
The Department of Natural Resources provided wildfire data
by county for the period 1964-73. The 10-year average was
then adjusted slightly to equal the federal 10-year average
for the state. The fuel loading was an estimate obtained in
an earlier study without undue oral objection. No estimates
were made of forest managed and agricultural burns since these
occur without documentation or as a standard cultural practice.
Efforts are being made to centralize record-keeping.
WYOMING
The Federal Wildfire Statistics for the state was appor-
tioned on the basis of land area, forest area, and verbal des-
criptions of its extent and location. Forest managed burning
is nil on state and private lands whereas the National Park
Service has a "let burn policy" in the area. No estimate was
available for agricultural burning activity.
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AMERICAN SAMOA
No estimates were possible, although the climatic condi-
tions, geographic location, and vegetation types leads one to
presume that burning activity is nil in this area.
GUAM
Written communication was received that these burning
activities do not take place with any degree of concern.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
Verbal communication and literature references indicate
that with the phasing out of the sugar cane industry, these
burning activities are nil in this area.
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CONCLUSIONS
The project goals of obtaining the best available data
and information on emissions related statistics on forest wild-
fires, forest managed burns, and agricultural burns were
accomplished.
The results of the information search and retrieval were
evaluated and the most reliable selected for use. Where pos-
sible, estimates were prepared for geographical areas presenting
some indication of these burning activities. These estimates
were based on land area, forested area, farm and crop areas,
and some verbal description of the extent and location of the
burning practice. No estimates were possible for areas where
no available data, reference, or information were present to
connect or relate to a burning activity.
The values reported in the area coding forms and sent to
the Project Officer are presently the best available and most
reliable.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
Since the statistics are present-day values of past
activities, periodic review and up-dating of information are
recommended. This periodic activity will also extend the in-
formation base to cover geographic areas where no estimates
are presently available. Additional costs in time and money
will be required for on-site surveys for some states where
information is scattered, not kept, nor recorded.
Another recommended area of study is the use of present
statistics to extrapolate future burning activity; as a guide
to control and modification of some burning practices; and
finally to aid state and local authorities to understand these
air pollutant sources.
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ABSTRACT
This project was conducted to complete the area source
inventories on emissions from forest wildfires, forest managed
burns, and agricultural burns for each of the 55 states and
territories. Reliable data and information on acreages burned
and tons of fuel burned per acre were obtained for each of
the approximately 3,100 counties and jurisdictional entities
in the country. Literature searches, letters, telephone calls,
and personal contacts were used in obtaining the results. The
most reliable data was selected and entered on NEDS area source
coding forms under the guidelines of the Project Officer for
inclusion in the NEDB. Presently, the values obtained are the
best and most reliable for these burning activities. No
estimates were recorded for locations that had no available
data or information.
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(I'li'use read iHZlructions on the reverse before completing)
1 REPORT NO
LPA-4bU/3-74-062
4 TITLfc AND SUBTITLE
Emissions Inventory From Forest Wildfires, Forest
Managed Burns, and Agricultural Burns.
3 RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION-NO.
5 REPORT DATE
November 1974
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7 AUTHOR(S)
George Yamate
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
9 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
I IT Research Institute
10 West 35th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
1.? SPONSORING ACil NCY NAML AND ADDRESS
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-02-1389
13 TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
-flualL Jan-Aug. 1974
14 SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15 SUPPL1 Ml N TAR Y NOTtS
16 ABSTRACT
This project was conducted to complete the area source inventories on
emissions from forest wildfires, forest managed burns, and agricultural burns
for each of the 55 states and territories. Reliable data and information on
acreages burned and tons of fuel burned per acre were obtained for each of
the approximately 3,100 counties and jurisdictional entities in the country.
Literature searches, letters, telephone calls, and personal contacts were
used in obtaining the results. The most reliable data was selected and
entered on NEDS area source coding forms under the guidelines of the Project
Officer for inclusion in the NEDB. Presently, the values obtained are the
best and most reliable for these burning activities. No estimates were
recorded for locations that had no available data or information.
DESCRIPTORS
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMbNT ANALYSIS
I). IDENTIFY. RS/OPtN ENDE-DTERMS
Air Pollution
F.missions
Wildfires
Managed Burning
Agricultural Burning
Particulates
CarboV Monoxide
Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen Oxides
NEDS
Area Source
c. COSATI I'icld/dioup
i 1)1 ) I mHU'TION STATtMl N I
Release Unlimited
19. Sf CURITY CLASS (This Ki'
Uncassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
34
_
20, SEC'umfY CLASS7VVi/7/>«jf?J
Unclassified
22. PRICE
1'A I-in in 2220-1 (9-73)
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INSTRUCTIONS
1 REPORT NUMBER
Insert the EPA report number as it appears on the cover of the publication.
2. LEAVE BLANK
3. RECIPIENTS ACCESSION NUMBER
Reserved for use by each report recipient.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Title should indicate clearly and briefly the subject coverage of the report, and be displayed prominently. Set subtitle, if used, in smaller
type or otherwise subordinate it to main title. When a report is prepared in more than one volume, repeat the primary title, add volume
number and include subtitle for the specific title.
5. REPORT DATE
L'ach rcpoil shall carry a date indicating at least month and year. Indicate the basis on which it was selected (e.g., date of issue, date oj
approval, date oj preparation, etc.).
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
Leave blank.
7. AUTHOR(S)
Give name(s) in tonveniion.il ordci ffo/in R. Doe, J. Robert Doe. etc ). List author's affiliation if it differs from the performing organi-
zation.
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER
Insert if performing organization wishes to assign this number.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Give name, stiett, uty, state, and ZIP code. List no more than two levels of an organizational lurearchy.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER
Use the program element number under which the report was prepared Subordinate numbers may be included in parentheses.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NUMBER
Insert contract or grant number under which report was prepared
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Include ZIP code.
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Indicate interim final, etc., and if applicable, dates covered.
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
I eavi blank.
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Lnter information not included elsewhere but useful, such as: Prepared in cooperation with, Translation of, Presented at conference of,
To be published in, Supersedes, Supplements, etc.
16. ABSTRACT
Include a brief (200 words or less} factual summary of the most significant information contained in the report. If the report contains a
significant bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
(a) DESCRIPTORS - Select from the Thesaurus of Engineering and Scientific Terms the proper authorized terms that identify the major
concept of the research and are sufficiently specific and precise to be used as index entries for cataloging.
(b) IDENTIFIERS AND OPIiN-ENDED TERMS - Use identifiers for project names, code names, equipment designators, etc. Use open-
ended terms written in descriptor form for those subjects for which no descriptor exists.
(c) COSA1I MELD GROUP - Field and group assignments are to be taken from the 1965 COSATI Subject Category List. Since the ma-
jority of documents are multidisciplmary in nature, the Primary Field/Group assignment(s) will be specific discipline, area of human
endeavor, or type of physical object. The application(s) will be cross-referenced with secondary Field/Group assignments that will follow
the primary posting(s).
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Denote releasability to the public or limitation for reasons other than security for example "Release Unlimited." Cite any availability to
the public, with address and price.
19. & 20. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
DO NOT submit classified reports to the National Technical Information service.
21. NUMBER OF PAGES
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22. PRICE
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EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73) (Reverse)
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