North Raleigh Today

Smoke from wildfires in Polk County is causing unhealthy air quality levels, prompting officials to urge residents to take precautions. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued a Code Red air quality action day alert for Polk County. According to the DAQ, "Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone." Residents are advised to limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, especially those sensitive to air pollution, such as children, older adults, and people with asthma.

Rutherford County is under a Code Orange alert, indicating that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The same groups should also limit outdoor activities during these conditions.

These alerts will remain in effect through midnight Saturday night. DAQ will continue monitoring conditions and may adjust the alerts over the weekend. Updated air quality information can be found on the Air Quality Portal. DAQ meteorologists plan to issue daily forecasts by 3 p.m.

Satellite imagery reveals significant smoke emission in Polk County from fires named Fish Hook, Black Cove, and Deep Woods. Data shows elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the area and worsening visibility due to a strong inversion expected overnight Friday into Saturday that could trap this pollution.

The DEQ warns that smoke can carry PM2.5 particles smaller than a human hair's width that can penetrate deep into lungs and aggravate asthma and other lung conditions while being linked to heart issues.

Resources for staying safe around wildfire smoke are available on DEQ’s website. Additionally, state law bans open burning of yard waste or land clearing debris on Code Orange or higher Air Quality Action Days. To report violations of these rules, contact your local DAQ regional office. This restriction complements any existing burn bans issued locally or statewide; currently, a burn ban covers all of North Carolina as declared by the N.C. Forest Service on Thursday.

For assistance in Spanish or another language, call 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov. Information about the Air Quality Index is also accessible in Spanish via the EPA.