Wildfires are growing in frequency and intensity, threatening our landscape, our lifestyle and our health. “Smoky Skies, Altered Lives” probes how the upsurge in fire and smoke fueled by climate change puts us at risk, and how restoring the health of our forests could make a difference.
Researchers take a ski lift ride to their lab atop Oregon's Mount Bachelor, where they work to discover the components of wood smoke. Credit: Adam BacherAtop Mount Bachelor in Oregon, inside a building primarily used as a ski lift turnaround, University of Washington researcher Dan Jaffe and colleagues are working on a multi-million-dollar, multi-university study to monitor wildfire smoke. Jaffe says, “We probably have a bigger collection of mass spectrometers on the top of a mountain the United States than anyone’s ever put there before.” Researchers are studying what’s in wildfire smoke, in order to help scientists and doctors to better understand what tiny bits of ash can do to human bodies and the environment. Through his work, Jaffe has become part of a global network of researchers trying to better understand what smoke does to us, and what we can do about it. More photos in the accompanying photo gallery. Credit: Adam BacherRyan Farley of UC-Davis is part of a team looking at particulate matter from wood smoke by using an aerosol mass spectrometer. Credit: Adam BacherThe team measures tiny particles less than 1 micron across in size, which is many times thinner than a human hair. During this session in 2019, the team saw evidence of biomass burning in Alaska and possibly Siberia, said Ryan Farley (right). Credit: Adam BacherA student works with a "thermal desorption ATD sampler," or a volatile organic compounds sampler. It helps analyze air to gauge where smoke or other organic compounds are coming from. Credit: Adam BacherGathering around the laptop: Ryan Farley (left), Phil Rund, Noah Bernays and Claire Buysse. “It’s pretty sweet," Buysse said of working on the mountain summit, "especially being on the mountain and just like getting to look outside and just do research up here. It’s definitely a fun ride. Not something you're going to do every day.” Credit: Adam BacherPhil Rund (left), a University of Washington graduate student, said part of the job is lugging nitrogen cylinders and equipment to the mountaintop research area via ski lift. "It’s definitely a little stressful to get all of this and the instrument on a ski lift up here, but it’s a really cool job." Credit: Adam Bacher
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
Forest collaboratives formed in the wake of the Pacific Northwest’s “Timber Wars” have become major power players operating largely out of the public eye
In a webinar hosted by regional transmission authorities, data centers were called a “major challenge” for the energy industry, as well as extreme weather
A 2023 DeSmog investigation uncovered a “backroom deal” between Portland city officials and Zenith Energy. New documents show the state environmental regulator also met with the company.
Providence has accused nurses and other staff of violating patient privacy laws
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
Journalism that sparks change
Our work has inspired new state laws, exposed government failures and impacted local communities in powerful ways. These stories wouldn't be told without InvestigateWest, and we couldn't do it without our generous supporters.
