NASA selects University of Texas at Arlington team to develop wildfire smoke warning system using Earth observations and advanced model weighting to improve air quality forecasting, real-time alerts, health messaging; project is part of US$6.5M NASA grant

May 14, 2025 (Targeted News Service (Press Releases)) –

ARLINGTON, Texas , May 14 -- The University of Texas Arlington campus issued the following news release:

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NASA taps UTA for wildfire smoke warning system

Project will enhance air quality forecasting, providing real-time smoke alerts and health information

University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that gives communities early warning when wildfire smoke may make the air unsafe to breathe.

"Our project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools that advance decision-making processes related to wildfire air quality and health management," said Dr. Li , assistant professor in UT Arlington's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and co-principal investigator of the grant from NASA's Science Mission Directorate Earth Science Division.

Wildfires are a major source of hazardous air pollution. Research shows that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to long-term respiratory problems and even death--and the health risks aren't confined to areas near the fire. Smoke can drift hundreds of miles, affecting communities far from the source. In June 2023 , wildfires in Quebec caused severe air pollution as far away as New York City and Washington, D.C.

Large wildfires are becoming more frequent across the United States , exposing millions to unhealthy air. While air quality forecasting can reduce the harm caused by wildfire smoke, it remains a challenge due to unpredictable emission rates, shifting smoke patterns and changing weather conditions.

Related: NASA taps UTA to shape future of autonomous aviation

"Wildfires are becoming more and more of a threat in many parts of the U.S. and abroad, and accurate air quality forecasting is critical to protecting the health of people who might feel the effects of these fires far from their origin," said Arne Winguth , professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences . "This study will help provide valuable tools to enhance these forecasting capabilities."

Li is working with co-investigators from New York University , the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research , with additional collaborators from NASA, NOAA , the EPA and the U.S. Forest Service .

Related: UTA to lead NASA wildfire grant

"This system will leverage Earth observations to develop a sophisticated model-weighting technique, thereby enhancing current air quality forecast capabilities," Li said.

Next, the team will use the forecasting system to collaborate with key stakeholders in developing products and solutions that support informed decisions about air quality and public health.

Among the tangible benefits are a fire smoke visualization tool and patient-centric messaging system to improve real-time communication of air quality risks. The tool will also contribute forecasts to the EPA's AirNow program, enhancing the agency's ability to deliver accurate and timely information to the public.

-- Greg Pederson , College of Science

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System , offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.

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Original text here: https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2025/05/13/nasa-taps-uta-for-wildfire-smoke-warning-system