This paper uses multi-sensor remote sensing data to study the type and spatio-temporal variability of aerosols emitted from forest fires. The study is based on the Okefenokee Swamp fire that ravaged parts of Georgia and Florida between May and June of 2007. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data is used to study the aerosol type and its spatial distribution. Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data is used to study the vertical distribution of aerosols. The results show that there is a high concentration of fine mode aerosols during the fire episode. It is also observed that the 24 hour averaged PM2.5 concentration was above unhealthy levels on several occasions, in some instances reaching values over 50 µg/m3. The PM10 concentration on the other hand was below unhealthy levels although there were numerous instances of episodic non attainment of the PM10 air quality standard. The study shows that the vertical reach of the aerosol plume over the land ranged from 2 to 3 kilometers. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers