Smoke From Wildfires Reaches Triad, Prompts Air Quality Concerns

The wildfires burning across multiple states in the southeast are bringing hazy conditions as far east as the Triangle. The winds shifted toward the Piedmont ahead of a cold front. The forecast for today's air quality in Northwest North Carolina is "code orange."

Cary Gentry with the Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection in Winston-Salem says that means it's unhealthy for sensitive groups.

“When we say sensitive groups we mean children, elderly, and those with asthma, respiratory illness, or pulmonary illnesses. What we recommend are those populations to limit their outdoor exertion.”

Gentry expects the air quality will improve by Saturday afternoon, but that smoke will be an issue for those in the southeast for weeks to come. Until then, he says the best advice is to stay indoors.