Code ORANGE air quality action day for Valleys, Ridgetops of Asheville, Buncombe County

Buncombe County -- Buncombe County Government: Tuesday, July 18, 2023, is a code ORANGE air quality action day for the valleys and ridge tops of Asheville and Buncombe County.

During this code ORANGE, NO OPEN BURNING is allowed.

Children, teenagers, older adults, people with heart and lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, are all considered sensitive groups to fine particle exposure. It is recommended that these groups limit prolonged or intense exertion outdoors and that they take frequent breaks.

This forecast is due to another round of Canadian wildfire smoke intrusion into North Carolina.

Note: Open Burning is generally PROHIBITED on Air Quality Action Days. Burning trash and other non-vegetative material is ALWAYS PROHIBITED.

For up-to-date forecasts and discussions, go to: airquality.climate.ncsu.edu.

Call the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency if you have any questions at (828) 250-6777. 

General Guidance

If it looks or smells smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run, or for kids to play outdoors.

If you see or smell smoke present, you should:

Check Your Current Air Quality at DAQ NC Ambient Information Reporter or EPA AirNow
Subscribe to Air Quality Forecasting at www.enviroflash.info

Learn how to make a DIY air cleaner and about air cleaners and filters in the home.
You can also care for the air by driving less and incorporating carpools, public transit, and telecommuting; conserving electricity, packing or walking to lunch, not idling your car, and refueling or mowing after 6 p.m.