Each of the past several summers, smoke plumes from forest fires has made taking bird photographs with “sky blue” colors, and seeing the Aurora Borealis difficult at times in northern Minnesota (and the rest of America). For years both in Canada and the United States the goal was always to put out forest fires immediately. While certainly there are always times when wild fires must be extinguished immediately to protect life and property, forests need to burn occasionally to stay healthy. Read more about this need for fire … Fire in the Ecosystem: Boreal Forest (National Park Service)

Here, however, are two tools which will help you deal with the smoke plumes. I have also annotated several screenshots to assist in your understanding and using these tools. Unfortunately the forecasting tool does not reach too far in the future.

Both tools are from NOAA. Click or Press Upon any image to view at full size.

Fire and Smoke Map Current Conditions: (web site)

Smoke Plume Forecasting: (web site)