---

Emily Rittman, Ben Knaup Reporter, Photographer 6:18 p.m. CDT, April 13, 2011


Taney County, Mo—

Winds are carrying smoke plumes from two large prescribed burns in the Mark Twain National Forest near the Taney and Ozark county line. The Springfield-Greene County health department says the burns could affect nearby county’s air quality indexes. The department says the smoke filled air may be unhealthy for the elderly and anyone with certain health issues.
From high above the forest a helicopter started fires down below. Crews are burning about 6,000 acres at Big Creek and Three Sisters near Ava. “In the helicopter we have a machine attached to the helicopter and needles inject the balls," Helitack Supervisor Angie Ruble said. The golf ball sized spheres are filled with chemicals that ignite naturally about 20 seconds after they hit the ground. ATV’s with fire torches attached to the back and crews with dripping torches ignite outer fires while the helicopter ignites the center of the burn. "Over the decades we've had a lot of trees growing and a lot of brush taking over,” Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Ranger Jenny Farenbaugh said. “In some cases cedars are there and they tend to be invaders so we like to knock them out."
“Knock outs” leave plumes of smoke. “We take a good hard look at the direction of the wind speed and watch ventilation rates,” Farenbaugh said. “We like to see a lot of smoke dispersed versus one straight column blowing into a community or home. We try to do the best we can of course natures is in control.”

With no control of incoming breezes the Springfield-Greene County Health Department warns these winds are unhealthy for anyone with heart or long disease. “It’s like smoke on a fire but in a larger area it impacts the community of Springfield,” Air Quality Control Coordinator Brian Adams said. The health department’s air quality control division expects smoke to drift in early Wednesday evening and possibly over night. “It usually impacts the elderly and children with respiratory problems,” Adams said. “We just recommend they stay indoors and keep the air conditioning on.”
Those starting and maintaining the fires say all this is worth it. "We are mimicking the application of fire the way it used to be done either by natural cases lighting strikes or when Native Americans and pioneers put fire to the ground," Farenbaugh said.
According to the health department, particulate matter may contain fine particles that contain microscopic solids or liquid droplets that can become embedded into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Multiple scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• Increased respiratory symptoms such as irritated airways, coughing or difficulty breathing
• Decreased lung function
• Aggravated asthma
• Development of chronic bronchitis
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nonfatal heart attacks
• Premature death in people with heart or lung disease

If particulate matter continues to travel into the Springfield area, air quality levels could be elevated to the 'Slightly Unhealthy' or orange level. 'Slightly Unhealthy' levels of air quality could be potentially harmful for people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. People that fall into these categories should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion when air quality levels are elevated to 'Slightly Unhealthy' or orange levels.
The division of Air Quality Control will continue to monitor this situation and provide detailed updates on the quality of the air in the Springfield area. For more information, visit the website at www.springfieldmo.gov/health/air.html

---

---

Do they still use the Huskie for initial training prior to the K-MAX?

---