Old North News

Smoke from wildfires in South Carolina is affecting air quality in Western North Carolina. Predictions indicate that Transylvania and Henderson Counties may experience very unhealthy air conditions on Friday, while Buncombe, Swain, and Polk Counties face potential unhealthy air scenarios.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued Air Quality Action Days for Friday, predicting:

- Code Purple for Transylvania and Henderson counties

- Code Red for Buncombe, Swain, and Polk counties

- Code Orange for Henderson, Rutherford, and Macon counties

These forecasts will be effective from midnight and may extend beyond Friday. For the latest updates, visit the Air Quality Portal. Code Purple indicates very unhealthy air quality, urging the general public to avoid long outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should refrain from any outdoor physical exertion. Code Red suggests that extended exposure to the air may be harmful, recommending all individuals to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Code Orange warns sensitive groups to minimize heavy exertion outdoors.

The Table Rock fire in South Carolina is the primary source of smoke affecting the region. Other fires continue to emit smoke, with Polk County witnessing multiple incidents.

Wildfire smoke elevates levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering asthma and other respiratory conditions. Information and safety resources are available on DEQ’s website.

State regulations forbid open burning of yard waste on Air Quality Action Days of Code Orange or higher. Violations can be reported to the local DAQ office. Simultaneously, a statewide burn ban has been imposed by the N.C. Forest Service.

For translated information, contact 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov. Spanish resources regarding the Air Quality Index are provided by the EPA.