Eastern N.C. under highest air-quality warning
A Code Purple air alert went up as 530 workers used about 100 air and ground machines to fight a stubborn wildfire that started June 1. The alert included Edenton, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson.
Posted — UpdatedThe Code Purple alert, which signals very unhealthy air, was issued for Friday and Saturday for areas east of Interstate 95 and north of U.S. Highway 70 and included the cities of Edenton, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson.
Rocky Mount Fire Chief Keith Harris said his department has seen a spike in the number of emergency runs related to respiratory ailments – since the smoke settled over the city.
“Typically over a three day period of time, we would run about two or three respiratory distress calls. But we noticed over the last three days, we have run 14 respiratory distress calls,” Harris said.
People in the affected areas were urged to avoid outdoor activity to minimize their exposure to fine particles of soot in the air.
As the warning went out, state forestry officials said the fire has burned nearly 40,000 acres and had cost $2.3 million to fight as of Friday.
They said the 530 people who were fighting the fire with 80 vehicles, eight airplanes and 10 helicopters were hoping to hold the western side of the fire at Evans Road – ironically the road from which it took the name by which officials call it. It first burned to the east, then started back west as winds changed during this week.
“These are some of the highest levels of particle pollution we have ever recorded,” Keith Overcash, director of the division, said in a statement.
“People residing in areas downwind from the fire should take immediate precautions by staying indoors and avoiding physical exertion, particularly if they are among these sensitive groups.”
The state Department of Transportation warned weekend travelers that dense smoke could limit visibility along some routes in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Triangle air quality compromised
Lingering smoke in the air left some Triangle residents straining to breathe under a Code Red air quality warning Friday. Department of Transportation signs along Interstate 40 alerted people to the Code Red.
Under a Code Red alert, people are urged to avoid outdoor activities. The warning especially applies to children, the elderly and anyone with a respiratory problem, officials said. Conditions improved during the day, however, as southwest winds cleared the air.
The state Division of Public Health lists the symptoms of smoke exposure as
- coughing
- scratchy throat
- shortness of breath
- irritated sinuses
- chest pain
- headaches
- stinging eyes
- runny nose
Division of Air Quality spokesman Tom Mather said measurements taken in the Raleigh area Thursday showed "the highest levels of particle pollution that we've ever recorded here over a prolonged period."
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
- Reduce time outdoors. This can provide protection, especially in a tightly closed house where the air-conditioner can re-circulate air instead of bringing in outdoor air.
- Reduce time engaged in outdoor physical activity. This can be effective in lowering the dose of inhaled air pollutants.
- Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution that can emit the same pollutants found in wildfire smoke. Indoor sources such as burning cigarettes, gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, and activities such as cooking, burning candles and incense and vacuuming can greatly increase the particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.
Travelers warned
No detours were in effect at noon on Friday, but routes could change as conditions change and winds shift, the DOT warned.
Winds spread the smoky air as far west as Greensboro and Winston-Salem late Thursday.
Fire could burn for weeks
Crews were expected to set fire to an addition 20,000 acres near the wildlife refuge in the next few days to help contain the wildfire by burning off potential fuel. The so-called "burnout" could create even more smoke for residents near and far.
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