• By Sarah Coffey
• Posted Thursday, June 8, 2023

Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued for June 9

A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for Friday, June 9th due to anticipated levels of particle pollution becoming unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection has declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for the Triad Area, including Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davidson, Randolph, Rockingham, Caswell, Davie and Stokes counties.

The current weather pattern is continuing to funnel smoke from Canadian wildfires to the eastern US, including the Triad. Fine particulates (PM2.5) may rise to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart and lung disease such as asthma. It is recommended for these groups to limit prolonged or intense exertion outdoors and to take frequent breaks. Similar conditions are expected for Saturday until a cleaner air mass moves in on Sunday.

Triad residents and businesses can help prevent levels from rising even further by driving less, avoiding engine idling, and staying home if possible. The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the air quality alert is no longer in effect.

The burning of trash and other non-vegetative material is always prohibited, and the burning of leaves, brush, or other vegetation is banned until the alert is over.