EnvirocastTM TV for Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Wildfires near Missoula, MT

Background

  

Images

The images to the right were taken by the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard NASA's Terra satellite.  They show wildfires near Missoula, MT on August 10, 2003.

Environmental Impacts:

  • There are over 20 wildfires and wildfire complexes burning near Missoula, MT, as shown in the satellite images to the right. Over 40,000 acres have been burned as of August, 12. Over 200 residents have been asked to evacuate their homes or have been warned that evacuations may be necessary.

  • Smoke is persisting in the Bitterroot Valley, about 15 miles to the south of Missoula, MT, and where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at the UNHEALTHY level  this morning.  Smoke concentrations in Missoula and Helena, the state capital, have made air quality levels in those locations UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS.

  • Much of southwestern Montana is still in extreme fire danger conditions, as recent weather systems that passed through the region brought little or no precipitation to some areas.

  • Although they can be devastating to local communities, wildfires are not always bad. They are a natural part of a forest's life. Fires can clear away undergrowth and return nutrients to the soil or give birth to a healthy new forest.
Image NTSC 720x486 030813_01_tva.jpg shows wildfires near Missoula, MT on August 10, 2003.
Image NTSC 720x486 030813_02_tva.jpg is the save as above, with limited annotations.
mage NTSC 720x486 030813_03_tva.jpg is the same as above, with no annotations.
Image NTSC 640x480 030813_01_tvb.jpg wildfires near Missoula, MT on August 10, 2003.
Image NTSC 640x480 030813_02_tvb.jpg is the same as above, with limited annotations.
Image NTSC 640x480 030813_03_tvb.jpg is the same as above, with no annotations.


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