'We're experiencing the effects of climate change-induced wildfires,' UNCA professor says

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The air quality in Western North Carolina is being significantly compromised by the effects of wildfires burning in central Canada. The smoke from the fires is moving down along the East Coast of the United States, encasing New York City in a smoke-filled haze and moving all the way down into Georgia.

However, the effects felt in North Carolina have been noteworthy, causing the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts throughout the state, including orange alerts (unhealthy for sensitive groups) and red alerts (unhealthy for all groups).

In Buncombe County, the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency has been monitoring the air in response to the state’s orange alert for the area. According to agency director Ashley Featherstone, the biggest concern has been the abundance of particles, called particulate matter, carried in the air that can compromise breathing.

“Fine particulate matter is a component of that smoke,” Featherstone said. “So, that’s what’s causing that haze you see outside.”

It’s a haze, the director said, that should cause concern for any individuals who may be more sensitive to air quality.

"That’s mainly children, elderly, anyone with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, asthma or any condition like that," Featherstone said.

HAZY SKIES: AIR QUALITY ALERTS, BURN BANS IN EFFECT FOR AREAS OF NC DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE

McDowell County was issued a red alert by the state DEQ. The alert suggested everyone stay indoors as much as possible. The red alert was extended throughout the central part of the state.

According to Cody Grindstaff, who lives in Old Fort in western McDowell County, exercising outside is not an option.

“Am I overly concerned? I don’t want to stay outside too long,” he said. “Nobody wants to be walkin’ around, you know, smelling and breathing this stuff in.”

At UNC Asheville, Dr. Evan Couzo specializes in atmospheric and environmental science. According to Couzo, what we are experiencing is the effect of a larger climate shift taking place.

“Even though it’s a nice, cool, breezy day here, and it just looks misty,” he said, “we’re experiencing the effects of climate change-induced wildfires.”

AIR QUALITY ALERTS ISSUED FOR NORTH CAROLINA DUE TO SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES

Couzo said changes in climate patterns will likely result in more large fires, in more locations, than before.

“So, a wildfire happening out west and thousands of miles away does have an impact on the health of people living in Asheville and the surrounding areas," Couzo said.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency predicts the current hazy conditions will continue through the next few days. Featherstone expects a brief improvement in air quality before a second blast from the north.

“There’s another air mass coming in on Thursday and Friday,” the agency’s director said. “So, we’re hoping by Saturday we’ll start to see some clearing.”