How IoT Enables the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) During a Wildfire Event

ABSTRACT

This article highlights the growing importance of air quality assessment, particularly given the increased frequency and severity of climate‐driven wildfires. Recent research suggests that wildfire particulate matter may be more toxic than equivalent amounts of ambient PM2.5, with smoke composition and the different stages of biomass combustion having varying health impacts. This article examines how public managers and decision‐makers can use Internet of Things (IoT) devices to make decisions using hyper‐local, real‐time data on air quality, particularly data on levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We surveyed Oregon residents following the 2020 wildfires, the region's most severe fire season in modern history. We received a total of 1200 responses from June to August 2021 to help assess how individuals responded to several major wildfires that hit the state in 2020. Results indicate that residents were overwhelmed by the data and were provided with inadequate guidance on how to respond to the dangers posed by the smoke.