• By Sarah Coffey
• Posted Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued for June 6

A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for Tuesday, June 6th 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.

Smoke originating from wildfires in eastern Canada is causing a visible haze in the Triad, as well as anticipated levels of particle pollution that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart and lung disease such as asthma. These groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

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 The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the Code Orange is no longer in effect.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.