Air Quality Monitoring for Wildfire Smoke
Deploy an Wildfire Smoke Emergency Response KitOn-demand webinar: Wildfires, Smoke and Air QualityProtecting public health during wildfires
Get in touch with an air quality expert
In the face of climate change and increasing environmental disasters like wildfires, there is a growing need for resilient air quality monitoring infrastructure. Traditional air quality monitors often rely on vulnerable infrastructures like WiFi and electrical grids, which can easily fail during disasters, leaving us without accurate information about air quality.
To address this challenge, low-cost air sensors provide a cost-effective solution. Air quality sensor networks can provide accurate, local, real-time air pollution data and withstand harsh conditions to continue operating even when power and internet connectivity infrastructures fail.
With an air quality sensor network you can:
Stay safe, stay informed.
Check out US EPA's recommended activities during high particle pollution peaksProven air quality monitoring equipment for wildfire smoke
Deploy air monitoring rapidly with the Wildfire Smoke & Emergency Response Air Monitoring Kit!
The Wildfire Smoke and Emergency Response Air Monitoring Kit is a comprehensive solution designed to provide vital air quality information during wildfires and other emergency air pollution events. This all-in-one kit includes everything you need to monitor air quality and respond effectively to emergencies.
The kit consists of four Clarity Node-S air quality sensors, specifically calibrated to detect PM2.5 particles, which are known to be prevalent in wildfire smoke.
On-demand webinar
Wildfires, Smoke and Air Quality: Building an Air Monitoring Program Fit for Fire Season
In this webinar, you'll hear from experts who have been at the forefront of combating the public health impacts of air pollution over fire season. Discover how high-resolution air quality data is being used to better protect communities across the United States.
You’ll learn about innovative projects like Bill Hayes in Boulder, Colorado and Janice Lam Snyder in Sacramento, California, which leverage data to reduce public health and the impacts of air pollution episodes like wildfire smoke events.
Clarity has helped several organizations to
protect communities against wildfire smoke
"After the Marshall fire we installed a total of 22 monitors in the burn area. The Node-S is solar powered, has impressive battery-life and transmits data via cellular network. That means we could put these monitors anywhere that the sun shines and that you can make a cell call."
Why Sensing-as-a-Service℠ for air pollution monitoring?
No separate software purchase. No add-on warranties. No unexpected expenses.
With one upfront service, we’re giving you the affordability, flexibility, and autonomy to eliminate all of your air quality blind spots.
Easily deployed air monitoring devices
Self-powered Clarity Node-S air quality monitoring hardware measures PM2.5 and NO2 and serves as a platform for additional modules that measure Wind, Black Carbon, and Ozone.
Explore our devices
Cloud data management & visualization
Air quality measurements and air sensor network status are easily accessible in real-time via Clarity’s user-friendly Dashboard, REST API, and OpenMap.
Learn more about Clarity Cloud
Expert air quality project support
An experienced Environmental Project Manager to help you define a project plan and guide you through Collocation and Calibration of your devices.
Recommended activities for Particle Pollution
GOOD
MODERATE
UNHEALTHY
FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS
UNHEALTHY
Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside.
People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan andkeep quick relief medicine handy.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider
Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities.
Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move
activities indoors.*
Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider
rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors.*
*Note: : If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.
1. Recommendations provided by AirNow's Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does wildfire smoke impact air quality and public health?
Wildfire smoke contains high concentrations of PM₂.₅ that can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Real-time air quality monitoring is essential to protect public health during wildfire events, enabling timely alerts, evacuations, and clean air interventions. Learn more in our Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality blog.
Can Clarity’s sensors detect and differentiate wildfire smoke from other pollutants?
Yes. Clarity sensors measure PM₂.₅ and other pollutants associated with wildfire smoke. Our wildfire-specific calibration model adjusts readings during smoke-heavy events, improving accuracy even in extreme pollution scenarios.
Why is it important to monitor air quality during wildfires?
During fires, air quality can change by the hour. Monitoring allows air quality agencies to issue targeted health warnings, protect vulnerable populations, and assess the effectiveness of response actions. Clarity’s solar-powered, cellular-connected sensors continue operating even when infrastructure fails.
What challenges do traditional air monitors face in wildfire scenarios?
Fixed monitors rely on electricity and internet, which often fail during wildfires. They’re also too sparse to detect hyperlocal variations. Clarity’s low-cost, resilient sensors fill critical gaps, providing reliable data when it’s needed most.
How do Clarity’s sensor networks help during wildfire smoke events?
Clarity’s solar-powered Node-S air quality sensors can be rapidly deployed and begin transmitting real-time data via cellular networks immediately. This flexibility enables localized air quality alerts, supports public health messaging, and helps prioritize response efforts. Explore our wildfire response capabilities.
How quickly can Clarity’s sensors be deployed for wildfire monitoring?
Clarity sensors can be installed and operational within hours. They’re lightweight, plug-and-play, and don’t require external power or Wi-Fi, making them ideal for emergency deployments. Pre-positioned kits allow for rapid response in fire-prone regions.
Are there examples of communities using Clarity sensors for wildfire response?
Yes. Boulder County used 22 Node-S monitors after the Marshall Fire to track PM₂.₅ levels and inform recovery plans. Nonprofits in San Francisco have also used Clarity sensors to protect vulnerable populations during wildfire smoke events.
Why did Clarity develop a wildfire-specific calibration?
Standard optical sensors can overestimate PM₂.₅ during dense smoke. To improve accuracy during smoke-heavy conditions, Clarity created a wildfire-season calibration model based on multi-year collocation data. It corrects overestimation tendencies common in optical sensors during intense smoke events.
How is the wildfire calibration applied?
It’s automatically applied in the Clarity Cloud, requiring no user action. Sensors send raw data to the cloud, where calibration is processed before display—ensuring real-time, accurate results during wildfire events.
How does Clarity keep calibration models accurate over time?
Clarity regularly updates its calibration models using collocation data from sensors placed near reference monitors worldwide. This ongoing process ensures models remain accurate for smoke and other pollution events. Read about our v2.1 global calibration for more detail.
