UPDATE: Air quality alerts downgraded for North Carolina counties

HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — UPDATE (March 25, 2025): The State Department of Environment Quality adjusted its forecast Tuesday morning based on current observations. Polk County has been downgraded to a Code Orange Alert and surrounding counties downgraded to Code Yellow or moderate conditions.

"This is based on satellite imagery and nearby low cost sensor data which shows less smoke impacts to the wider area than in recent days," Tuesday's update read.

State officials urge residents to use their eyes and nose as air quality sensors.

"If you can see and/or smell smoke, fine particulate levels in your area are likely elevated and we suggest taking proper precautions such as remaining indoors when possible," Tuesday's update said.

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The Code Red Air Quality alert has expanded as wildfires in western North Carolina continue to burn.

The North Carolina Department of Environment Quality (NCDEQ) said a Code Red Air Quality Action Day will be in effect Tuesday for Polk, Transylvania, and Henderson counties. A Code Orange Air Quality Action Day will be in place for Rutherford County.

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Under a Code Orange alert, older adults, children, active people, and those with respiratory issues could feel health effects.

A Code Red alert means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone. Mountain fire officials encourage the public to limit time outdoors in those areas.

"The weather dictates [air quality alerts]," Kevin Waldrup, the Henderson County Fire Marshal, said. "You may see smoke now, then in two hours you won't have any. We got a lot of smoke reports. If you have respiratory problems, you just need to regulate your amount of time outside."

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NCDEQ said these latest alerts are in effect until midnight Tuesday evening, but meteorologists will continue to assess the situation and may modify or extend the alerts over the coming days.

For the most up-to-date air quality forecast information, visit the Air Quality Portal. See tips on how to stay safe from wildfire smoke at www.deq.nc.gov.