Air Quality Alert posted for Upstate

LAURENS – Wildfires in the North Carolina mountains, and the resulting smoke that has been carried by the wind over the Upstate, led to an Air Quality Alert Monday. It is in effect until midnight Tuesday. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control declared an Air Quality Action Day for fine particulates related to the wildfires. Smoke plumes created by the wildfires are being carried over the Upstate, cutting visibility and making it unhealthy for some to be outside for long periods of times. An Air Quality Action Day means fine particulate concentrations within the affected area may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. Laurens County is currently in the Air Quality Index of 151-200, which means people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Normal visibility within the range is between 1-3 miles. For more information, log on to dhec.sc.gov.