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

Code Red Air Quality Alert Issued for June 7

A Code Red air quality alert has been issued for Wednesday, June 7th due to anticipated levels of particle pollution reaching levels which are unhealthy for the general public. This is the first Code Red forecast for particulate matter for the Triad since 2003.

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

The smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to linger in the Triad and much of the eastern US. Anticipated levels of particle pollution may be unhealthy for anyone. Some members of the general population may experience health effects, and sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart and lung disease such as asthma, may experience more serious health effects.

For the general public, it is recommended to limit long or intense exertion outdoors and to take frequent breaks. Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity altogether and reschedule any outdoor events planned.

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 The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the air quality alert is no longer in effect. It is likely that conditions will continue to be Code Orange or higher through the end of the week.

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.