Smoke from climate-fueled wildfires burning across Canada is expected to affect air quality in parts of North Carolina over the coming days, bringing elevated levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants.
These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, heart and lung disease, and other serious health problems. Children, older adults, people with asthma or heart disease, pregnant people, and outdoor workers are among those most vulnerable to these health impacts.
North Carolinians can take steps to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. We encourage everyone to monitor local air quality forecasts or the AirKeeper Dashboard, limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and using air filtration if possible, and wearing a well-fitting N95 mask outdoors if smoke becomes heavy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Andrew Whelan, CleanAIRE NC, (919) 229-9293, [email protected]
“North Carolinians may not be near the fires, but we’re still breathing the smoke,” said Jeffrey Robbins, Executive Director of CleanAIRE NC. “As smoke moves into our state, we encourage everyone to check local air quality forecasts and take simple steps to reduce their exposure.”
As a warming climate contributes to longer, more intense wildfire seasons, communities across North Carolina will increasingly experience the impacts of smoke far from home. Protecting public health requires both immediate actions to reduce smoke exposure and long-term solutions that address the climate pollution driving more frequent and severe wildfires.
If you’d like more information on the precautions you can take this wildfire season, check out our Wildfire Preparedness in NC blog here.
###
CleanAIRE NC is a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution.
