Old North News

Smoke from wildfires in South Carolina is expected to affect air quality in western North Carolina, with Transylvania County predicted to experience "very unhealthy" conditions on Thursday. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued forecasts indicating a Code Purple alert for Transylvania County, while Henderson, Swain, and Polk counties are under a Code Red alert. Rutherford County is facing a Code Orange alert.

The forecasts are set to start at midnight tonight and will continue until midnight on Thursday, although they may be adjusted or extended as needed. Residents can find the latest updates by visiting the Air Quality Portal.

A Code Purple alert signifies very unhealthy air quality. The general public should avoid prolonged or intense outdoor activities. Those in sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions should refrain from all outdoor physical activity during these conditions.

For areas under a Code Red alert, it is advised that everyone consider reducing long or heavy exertion outdoors and take frequent breaks. Sensitive individuals should avoid prolonged outdoor activities.

A Code Orange warning indicates that the air quality could be harmful to sensitive groups. These individuals should limit their time spent outdoors engaging in strenuous activities and monitor for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

The smoke impacting these areas originates from the Table Rock fire in South Carolina, which is producing significant amounts of smoke that may travel northward into North Carolina through Friday. Additional wildfires in western North Carolina also contribute to regional smoke levels.

Smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5—particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs—posing risks especially for those with pre-existing health issues such as asthma and heart conditions.

State regulations prohibit open burning of yard waste or debris on days when air quality alerts reach Code Orange or higher. Violations can be reported to local DAQ offices. Additionally, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a burn ban across all of North Carolina effective Thursday.

For more information about staying safe around wildfire smoke and related resources, residents are encouraged to visit DEQ’s website. Spanish language support is available by contacting 919-707-8446 or emailing Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov; additional information about the Air Quality Index in Spanish can be accessed through the EPA's resources.