Nuisance smoke is the amount of smoke present in the atmosphere that interferes with the rights and privileges common to members of the public, including the use or enjoyment of public or private resources. Nuisance and nuisance laws are usually defined at the State or Local level.
Source: Hardy, Colin C., Ottmar, Roger D., Peterson, Janice L., Core, John E., and Seamon, Paula. 2001. Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed and Wildland Fire 2001 Edition. Produced by the National Wildfire coordinating Group Fire Use Working Team.