This is a users manual for VSMOKE, a computer program for predicting the smoke and dry weather visibility impact of a single prescribed fire at several downwind locations. VSMOKE is a FORTRAN 77 program that depands on the input in file VSMOKE.IPT to generate output in file VSMOKE.OUT. VSMOKE is based on steady-state Gaussian plume modeling principles compatible with those used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. VSMOKE is uniquely tailored as a plume model for a low to moderate intensity ground fire as an emission source.

A technical discussion of the implementation & development of models & data systems used to manage the air quality impacts of wildland & prescribed fires. Strategies & priorities in the plan were generated by the Express Team & a diverse group of 86 subject matter experts who attended a national planning workshop. This plan provides a conceptual design as a first step toward balancing the goals of land managers who use fire to manage ecosystems, & air resource managers who aim to reduce the impacts of fires on air quality. Recommends nine strategies as a synthesis of internal discussions, & review comments.

The fundamental purpose of this handbook is to raise awareness about environmental impacts of fire and fire suppression, primarily within the fire engineering and firefighting communities, but also within the environmental engineering and planning disciplines. The Handbook provides readers with a fundamental understanding of the problem and its magnitude and includes a set of tools and methods for assessing environmental, social and financial impacts, and a set of tools for identifying and selecting appropriate mitigation options.