News Summary
An air quality alert has been issued in South Carolina due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, affecting several counties. Additionally, a Code Orange ozone action day has been declared for the Upstate. Residents, especially vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, are advised to limit outdoor activities to mitigate health risks. The wildfires, which have burned nearly four million acres, are causing increased pollution levels and prompting health officials to recommend several precautions.
Greenville, South Carolina – An air quality alert has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several counties in South Carolina due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The alert was announced on Monday at 6:04 a.m. and is effective until 8 p.m. local time, impacting areas including Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties.
Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has declared a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for the Upstate and Catawba regions, effective from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the same day. Officials anticipate that conditions will contribute to heightened ozone levels across the state, exacerbated by smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada.
The wildfires have already burned nearly four million acres as of 2025, prompting Canadian officials to seek international assistance in containing the blazes. The smoke generated from these fires is leading to increased particle pollution in several areas, including the upper Midwest and the Carolinas, which has resulted in incidences of “dirty rain.”
Vulnerable populations—including children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions—are urged to limit outdoor activities during this alert. In North Carolina, a Code Yellow alert for PM 2.5 fine particulate matter has also been issued, indicating possible health risks from air pollution for all residents.
Health Recommendations and Public Safety Measures
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends several precautions for residents during air quality alerts. Suggested measures include:
- Limiting vehicle use, particularly driving and idling.
- Refueling vehicles during cooler parts of the day to minimize pollution.
- Reducing electricity consumption.
- Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Regional Air Quality Alerts
The persistent haze caused by wildfire smoke has not only affected South Carolina but has also resulted in air quality alerts in states such as Michigan and Minnesota. In Minnesota, the air quality alert is expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, with future smoke events anticipated.
Health officials advise residents in affected areas to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, particularly those with known health issues like asthma or heart disease. They also recommend that individuals keep windows closed overnight to prevent indoor smoke accumulation and to maintain better air quality at home.
Background on Canadian Wildfires
The current situation with the Canadian wildfires began as authorities reported extensive damage to significant forest areas. The wildfires, which have been described as unprecedented in scale, continue to pose challenges, not only for Canada but also for neighboring regions impacted by the resulting smoke and deteriorating air quality.
As the environmental conditions continue to evolve, officials remain vigilant, and further updates are expected as the situation develops. Residents are encouraged to stay informed regarding local air quality conditions to protect their health and well-being.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wildfires Rage in South Carolina, Prompting Emergency Measures
Enormous Wildfires Rage Across Canada, Prompting Emergency Declarations
Wildfires Devastate Western North Carolina and Prompt Evacuations
Brush Fires Prompt Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Significant Wildfire Activity in South Carolina
Progress in Containing Wildfire Near Myrtle Beach
Carolina Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency and Evacuations
Mandatory Evacuations in Greenville and Pickens Counties Due to Wildfires
Myrtle Beach Faces Wildfire Crisis Amid State of Emergency
Wildfires Rage in the Carolinas: Evacuations and Emergency Declared
Additional Resources
- WXII12: Canadian Fires Smoke Impacting North Carolina Air Quality
- Wikipedia: Air Quality Index
- Herald Online: Air Quality Alert Due to Canadian Wildfires
- Google Search: Air Quality Alerts
- Newsweek: Air Quality Alerts in Multiple States
- Google Scholar: Wildfire Smoke Health Effects
- Myrtle Beach Online: Hazy Skies from Wildfire Smoke
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Pollution
- Spectrum Local News: Wildfire Smoke Causes Hazy Skies
- Google News: Canadian Wildfires
- CBS17: Impact of Canadian Wildfire Smoke on NC Weather
