The proposal addresses AFP 2004-1, Task 1. The goal of this project is to demonstrate and implement the most advanced technologies for measurements of smoke particulates in real-time. It will focus on obtaining and documenting critical, time-sensitive information on the three-dimensional distribution of smoke particulate concentration over extended areas around and close to prescribed fires and wildfires. Plume rise and smoke dispersion also will be directly measured with remote sensing optical instrumentation. The project objectives will be achieved by using the most advanced remotely-sensed, fast-response Light Detection And Ranging (lidar) and a set of in-situ optical instrumentation. The information on particulate levels will allow fire and air quality managers to assess smoke effects on visibility and public and firefighter health in near real-time. Such measurements will also provide critical information on plume heights and aerosol levels to validate smoke dispersion models operated by the Forest Service Consortia for Advanced Modeling of Meteorology and Smoke (FCAMMS).