This page provides articles published in EPA’s online Science Matters newsletter that describe research by the Office of Research and Development on wildland fires. Fires are increasing in frequency, size and intensity partly due to climate change and land management practices, yet there is limited knowledge of the impacts of smoke emissions —both short term and long term. EPA is using its expertise in air quality research to fill the gaps in scientific information and to develop tools to prevent and reduce the impact of wildfires and controlled or prescribed burns.