This news item expired on Friday, December 2, 2016 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Numerous wildfires in Western North Carolina are producing Code Orange, Red, and even Code Purple smoke concentrations in the heaviest smoke plumes. The NC Division of Air Quality has published a visibility guide to smoke and air quality. If you can smell smoke and see heavy haze in the air, air quality is likely unhealthy and it is recommended that you limit your outdoor activities. Sensitive individuals should remain indoors with the windows closed and ventilation systems locked from outdoor air ingress. Outdoor burning is prohibited.
Visibility Guide to Smoke and Air Quality is now available.
Air quality can get worse or better throughout the day. Track current conditions in the Asheville Valley Forecast Area, here.
The Asheville Valleys air quality forecast region includes the elevations below 4000 feet in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties.
Please note that the final observed peak air quality for the day may be different from the short-term measurement.
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department has provided information about the dangers of wildfire smoke and steps you can take to protect your health.
The National Forests in North Carolina have set up a joint information center to provide wildfire information.