Air Quality Warnings Issued in South and North Carolina

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Hazy view of the mountains in South Carolina due to wildfires

News Summary

Residents of South and North Carolina are facing air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in the region. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for areas affected by smoke, urging residents, particularly those with respiratory issues, to take precautions. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge wildfires are the main causes of these alerts. Local communities are advised to remain vigilant as air quality concerns persist, with sensitive groups advised to limit outdoor activities and monitor current air conditions.

Air Quality Warnings in South and North Carolina Due to Wildfires

Residents of South Carolina and North Carolina have had a wild weekend, not just from the weather, but because of ongoing wildfires that have forced authorities to issue urgent air quality alerts. These alerts are a big deal, highlighting how important it is to be aware of air conditions during these challenging times.

What’s Happening?

On Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg sent out an air quality alert at 5:20 p.m. for Pickens Mountains and Greenville County in South Carolina, where folks were alerted about the impact of fine particles in the air due to the smoke from wildfires. This alert is now active until 5:30 p.m., although it’s important to note that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services canceled a previous alert for the same areas earlier in the day. For those in the vicinity of the active wildfires, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.

As of Saturday, an updated alert announced an ongoing concern for residents of Pickens Mountains and Greenville County, with the situation likely to persist until further notice.

The Cause of Concern

The main culprits here are two wildfires—the Table Rock wildfire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge wildfire in Greenville County. Stable weather conditions combined with high pressure over the region are making it tricky for smoke to disperse, leading to visible smoke and hazy skies in the mountains. Light winds are expected to push the smoke into North Carolina, affecting air quality in those regions, too.

Precautions to Take

In light of these developments, local health officials are urging individuals, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities. It’s advised to keep windows and doors closed and to use air conditioning with filters that are clean and fresh-air intakes closed to keep indoor air as pure as possible. If you’re near areas where wildfires are burning, it’s wise to take extra precautions. If you can see or smell smoke, stay indoors!

Community Impact

In northern Greenville County, wildfires have been burning for nearly a week, leading to some evacuations and a serious situation for many residents. Thousands of acres have been scorched across Western North Carolina and South Carolina, prompting widespread evacuations. Air quality hasn’t just been affected directly in these areas; the smoke from the fires has drifted into neighboring communities, dampening air quality for numerous residents.The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been a crucial figure lately, with values exceeding 50 triggering alerts that indicate days where certain populations could be at risk.

Alert Levels

Currently, Greenville, Oconee, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties are under a Code Yellow for air quality concerns, meaning that those in sensitive groups like children, older adults, and people with asthma should take extra care when going outside. On the other hand, Anderson County sits at a lower-risk green category. It’s wise to keep an eye on the current AQI levels and heed public advisories to limit outdoor exposure.

North Carolina’s Situation

Moving beyond South Carolina, the NWS also issued an updated air quality alert for North Carolina regions, including Rutherford Mountains and Greater Rutherford, as well as Swain, Haywood, Buncombe, and Macon Counties. However, this alert was called off later that day. While it’s a relief that conditions are improving, it’s still essential for everyone to stay informed and take care.

As we navigate through this smoky situation, remember that your health is paramount. Stay tuned to local updates and make smart decisions for your safety and well-being. Let’s all work together to keep our air clean and our community safe!