Smoke from wildfires in South Carolina is expected to affect air quality in western North Carolina, according to forecasts by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ). The agency has issued Air Quality Action Day forecasts for Friday, indicating unhealthy air conditions that require precautions.
Transylvania and Henderson counties are under a Code Purple alert, indicating very unhealthy air quality. The general public is advised against long or intense outdoor activities, and sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions, should avoid outdoor physical activity altogether.
A Code Red alert has been issued for Buncombe, Swain, and Polk counties, meaning prolonged exposure to polluted air may be unhealthy for the general population. Residents are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Sensitive individuals should avoid intense outdoor activities.
Henderson, Rutherford, and Macon counties have been placed under a Code Orange alert, signifying that air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. People in these groups should limit outdoor activities and be cautious of symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.
The Table Rock fire in South Carolina is producing substantial amounts of smoke, which may drift northward into North Carolina. Other fires in Polk County are also contributing to regional smoke. Smoke carries fine particulate matter, PM2.5, which can aggravate asthma and other lung conditions and is linked to heart conditions.
State law prohibits open burning of yard waste or land clearing debris on Code Orange or higher Air Quality Action Days. Violations can be reported to the DAQ regional office. A state-wide burn ban has been issued by the N.C. Forest Service.
For more information or resources on staying safe around wildfire smoke, the DEQ website provides guidelines. Translations in Spanish and other languages are available by contacting the DAQ.
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