North Wake News

Smoke from wildfires in Polk County and South Carolina is impacting air quality, prompting the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) to expand alerts in western North Carolina.

A Code Red Air Quality Action Day will be enforced on Tuesday for Polk, Transylvania, and Henderson counties. Meanwhile, Rutherford County will experience a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions.

"Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone," the DAQ states. It is recommended that all residents limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Those sensitive to air pollution, such as children, older adults, and people with asthma, should avoid outdoor activities.

For Code Orange conditions, "air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups" is expected. During these times, children, older adults, and individuals with asthma should minimize extended or intense outdoor activities.

The current alerts are valid until midnight Tuesday evening. However, DAQ meteorologists will continue monitoring the situation and may adjust or extend the alerts if necessary. For updated forecasts, residents can visit the Air Quality Portal where daily updates are provided by 3 p.m.

Wildfire smoke contains elevated levels of PM2.5 particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and exacerbate conditions like asthma and heart issues.

Resources for safety during wildfire smoke events are available on DEQ’s website.

Additionally, state law prohibits open burning of yard waste or land clearing debris on days designated as Code Orange or higher. Violations can be reported to local DAQ offices. This restriction complements any existing local or state burn bans; notably, a statewide burn ban was issued by the N.C. Forest Service last Thursday.

For information in Spanish or other languages, contact 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov. The EPA provides details about the Air Quality Index in Spanish as well.