If you can see heavy haze and smell wildfire smoke, the air quality is not good and you should limit your outdoor activities when possible. Sensitive populations such as children, active people, older adults, and those with heart or lung disease (like asthma) can be more at risk and should take precautions.
Additional resources are listed on the bottom of this page.
Sources of Smoke
Smoke can have several sources: Wildfires, prescribed (planned) burns, residential or commercial open burning, land clearing operations or illegal burning are common sources.
These fires are not equal, and the type of smoke and danger posed can vary depending on what is burning, when and where.
It can be difficult to determine the source of smoke in your area, as there is not a single resource in North Carolina that provides information on all fires occurring at any given moment. However, several data tools (available under "Resources & Data at the bottom of this page) are available to assist the public learn more about smoke in their community.
Types of Outdoor Fires
A wildfire is a fire that is either unplanned or out of control that burns unchecked through combustible vegetation. Fires can grow and spread rapidly during dry, breezy weather conditions, which can hinder firefighting efforts. During periods of little rainfall and extended drought, vegetation can dry out which can elevate fire danger.
Wildfires in the western United States have become larger and more numerous in recent years due to this region experiencing an extended drought event. These large fires can cause damage to property and landscape, and lead to unhealthy air quality both locally and — if the fires burn long enough — across vast distances downwind.
A planned and controlled fire, known as a prescribed fire, removes leaf litter, fallen twigs and branches without burning adult trees. These fires release less heat and smoke than a wildfire, and the particulate matter produced is too large to get deep into the lungs.
Because prescribed burns are the best way to prevent wildfires, they are becoming a common tool to protect residents from harmful wildfire smoke. The best way to protect yourself from smoke from a controlled burn is to stay inside, where modern HVAC systems can filter the air.
In North Carolina, residents and businesses may sometimes burn yard and land-clearing waste outdoors. The N.C. Open Burning rule limits what can be burned and when.
An important part of the open burning rule prohibits the burning of trash or any man-made material. Burning artificial items can produce dangerous and toxic smoke. If you feel the source of the smoke is from an illegal open burn in your area where man-made materials are being burned, please contact your local air quality regional office for further assistance.
Health Impacts of Smoke
According to the EPA:
“The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it's a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it.”
Keeping safe
If it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run, or for children to play outdoors. Reducing outdoor exertion or staying indoors can reduce your exposure to harmful air pollution.
Learn how to make a DIY air cleaner with instructions from EPA.
Know the Air Quality Forecast
When smoke is present, it's important to know what your local air quality is.
- Check today’s Air Quality Forecast
- Check Your Current Air Quality:
- Subscribe to Air Quality Forecasting: http://www.enviroflash.info
Code Orange air quality represents air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with existing health conditions.
Code Red, Purple and Maroon air quality represents air quality unhealthy for everyone.
Be sure to take appropriate action to keep yourself safe depending on the air quality in your area.
Resources & Data
Active Fire Maps
A collection of mapping platforms that provide real-time tracking of many known fires.
Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality
EPA Health and Air Quality Publications
Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials, 2019
CDC – Tips for Protecting Yourself From Wildfire Smoke
Health Risks of Wildfires for Children
CDC Wildfire Smoke and Children
Air Quality Forecasts
North Carolina Air Quality Portal
- https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/
- https://www.airnow.gov/publications/activity-guides/air-quality-guide-for-particle-pollution/
Color Code Guideline for Schools
EnviroFlash Air Quality Subscription Service
Current Air Quality Conditions
Contact
Call (919) 707-8400 and ask for a member of the NC Air Awareness team, or send us an email: