NC wildfires causing air quality concern

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) – An air pollution advisory remains in effect today, as smoke from nearly 20 wildfires blankets the mountains, foothills and Piedmont.

Governor Pat McCrory announced Wednesday that North Carolina is working with local and federal partners to protect first responders, citizens and property from the fires that have burned more than 46,000 acres. Residents in the affected regions could experience unhealthy air quality, depending on wind directions.

“Local air quality conditions can vary widely due to winds, the spread of fires and other weather factors,” said Mike Abraczinskas, deputy director of the state’s air quality division. “Residents should limit their time outside if they observe low visibility and odors due to smoke, which indicates that the air is probably unhealthy to breathe.”

The estimated cost of the fires has now reached more than $15 million. FEMA has approved Governor McCrory’s request for financial assistance through Fire Management Assistance Grants, which allow FEMA to pay for 75 percent of the emergency protective measures taken in fighting the fires.

For today, forecasters have predicted Code Red conditions, or unhealthy, for the southern foothills.

Code Orange conditions, or unhealthy for sensitive groups, are forecasted for the western mountains and the southwest Piedmont, including the Charlotte metro area. See the air quality forecast map for more details.

The forecast means everyone in Code Red areas should avoid or reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, and sensitive groups should avoid any activity outside. Sensitive groups include the elderly, children, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

In Code Orange areas, sensitive groups should limit their time outdoors.

The state environmental department and the U.S. Forest Service have set up a number of special mobile air monitors throughout the region, along with permanent air monitors in Asheville, Bryson City, Hickory, Charlotte and other locations. These monitors have measured unhealthy levels of air pollution in smoke downwind of wildfires.