SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Particle pollution is rising across North Carolina due to wildfires taking place north of the U.S. border.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s air division put out a code red and orange for cities statewide for Wednesday, June 7.
The red alert blankets the majority of central North Carolina, indicating unhealthy air quality for everyone in those zones, while code orange is in place for the tri-county region.
Smoke from the Canadian fires is spreading across the U.S., from New York to Baltimore to Minneapolis. More than 160 forest fires are currently active in Quebec, as firefighters continue to contain their widespread. Many of the fires likely started from a lightning strike, NASA reports.
As of Tuesday, a haze permeated the Carolina sky, with cities in the Triangle, Triad and Piedmont under code orange and southeastern counties under code yellow. The upgraded alert goes into effect at midnight, according to a release from DEQ.
The state agency said the pollution could affect those who are outdoors for longer periods of time, particularly older adults and younger children, as well as active people with respiratory and heart conditions. The agency advises people sensitive to these health ailments avoid time outside Wednesday.
“As the smoke continues to build into the state, high levels of fine particles are expected to mix near ground level,” the release stated.
The fine particles, PM2.5, are smaller than the width of a human hair and can bury deep into the lungs, aggravating asthma or other lung issues.
The DEQ will issue a Wednesday update by 10 a.m. More information can be tracked at the Air Quality Portal.
Tips or comments? Email info@localdailymedia.com.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
