Sam Chan Director of Public Affairs | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Sam Chan Director of Public Affairs | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Smoke from wildfires in South Carolina is raising air quality concerns in western North Carolina, with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) issuing Air Quality Action Days for several counties. The concern is particularly acute in Transylvania and Henderson Counties, where a Code Purple alert indicates very unhealthy air conditions. Other counties, including Buncombe, Swain, and Polk, have been issued Code Red alerts, advising residents about potentially unhealthy air quality due to smoke exposure.
The smoke moving northward from the Table Rock fire and additional wildfires in Polk County will affect the air quality starting at midnight and is expected to last throughout Friday. The DAQ has recommended that residents stay updated through the Air Quality Portal for the latest forecasts.
"Code Purple is very unhealthy air quality. The general public is urged to avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Sensitive groups particularly susceptible to health impacts, including children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart conditions, should avoid all outdoor physical activity in these conditions."
With Code Red air quality, "all residents should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors and taking more breaks. Anyone sensitive to air pollution should avoid long or intense outdoor activities." Meanwhile, Code Orange signals air quality concerns for sensitive groups, advising them to minimize outdoor activities due to unhealthy air conditions.
The wildfires have resulted in increased levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can affect lung and heart health. These particles can reach deep into the lungs, aggravating asthma and other lung conditions.
Residents concerned about compliance with air quality regulations should note that state law prohibits open burning on Code Orange days or higher. Violations of this rule should be reported to the respective DAQ regional office. The N.C. Forest Service has also issued a burn ban for all of North Carolina, adding an extra layer of restriction.
"DEQ’s website has a list of resources for keeping safe around wildfire smoke."
For those needing information in other languages, the DEQ has provided a contact number and an email address, and the EPA offers details about the Air Quality Index in Spanish.
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