Smoke from wildfires that have burned 7,670 acres has lowered air quality throughout North Carolina. Wildfire smoke contains thousands of tiny particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled. Breathing in these particles can cause respiratory and heart problems, especially in people with asthma or heart conditions. Staying inside, keeping doors and windows closed, and wearing an N95 mask outside are the best protections against inhaling wildfire smoke. Check local air quality levels at IQ Air or a local weather channel.

Regions most heavily impacted by wildlife smoke depend on the wind direction and can change day-to-day.

People with pre-existing conditions, young children, and older adults should begin taking protective measures against wildlife smoke when air quality reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (an AQI [Air Quality Index] range of 101-150 according to airnow.gov). Some people may experience symptoms when the AQI is lower than this.

At an AQI level between 151-200, everyone may begin to experience negative health effects, and members of sensitive groups may have more serious health effects.

AQI levels between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, and everyone is more likely to experience serious negative health effects. AQI values over 300 trigger emergency health warnings, and people are even more likely to experience serious negative health effects.

AQI measures how many pollutants are in the air, including but not limited to wildfire smoke. This means that other particles like pollen or pollution from vehicles and factories can combine with smoke to make more unhealthy air quality conditions.

Air quality conditions are constantly changing due to environmental factors like wind direction and humidity. People should check a local AQI index for the most up-to-date conditions.