UPDATE: DHEC Wildfire Smoke Alert
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents of South Carolina should be aware of the continued risk for health effects related to smoke from wildfires that originated from fires burning across parts of central and western Canada and the western United States, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported on Thursday, July 22nd.
Smoke from these fires, which has drifted into the northern two thirds of our state, can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases.
It is expected that the health and visibility impacts from the smoke will be experienced in all regions of the state except the Lowcountry. The most significant impacts will linger into Friday. A ridge of high pressure building offshore should bring cleaner air into the region for the beginning of the weekend.
DHEC recommends individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors to avoid the smoke. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
For more information, please visit DHEC’s website at: https://scdhec.gov/disaster-
For more information about the location of the wildfires, please visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.