N.C. Wildfires Cause Smoky Conditions in Anderson

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

A pair of wildfires in Cherokee and Henderson County, N.C., are to blame for the hazy smoke settled over much of Anderson County today.

AnMed’s Dr. Chet Walters, a critical care. internal medicine and pulmonary medicine specialist, said the smoke has prompted air quality alerts across the region, and recommends special precautions for those with breathing issues.

"Wildfires are known to release fine particles into the air that are often inhaled to these airborne particles, as we are seeing now, we recommend older people and people with lung problems limit their outdoor activities and exposures,” Walters wrote in an email to all AnMed employees.

The Environmental Protection Agency offers detailed information on the hazards of smoke.

According to the Anderson Emergency Management Office, the 431-acre wildfire in Henderson County, which is 15 percent contained as 222 firefighters work to contain the fire, and the 3,900-acre wildfire in Murphy County, which is not contained at this time, are to blame for the smoke.

Emergency Management Director Josh Hawkins said the mixture of the fires and low wind speed is causing the smoke to' linger in the area. 

“While the smoke is a nuisance for us,” said Hawkins, “it is a help to the crews in North Carolina fighting these fires that the wind is so low.  The expectation of rain this weekend should hopefully assist in the extinguishments of these fires as well.  Please keep all of the first responders and communities affected in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to attempt to contain these wildfires.?