Charlotte Under Code Red Air Quality Alert Wednesday

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte and surrounding counties will be under a Code Red air quality alert Wednesday.

That’s considered unhealthy and just one step below the worst air quality ranking.

“Anyone that doesn’t have the ability to use their lungs at full capacity is going to struggle,” explains Dr. Tony Hyser, with Providence Health Center.

He says younger and older people will suffer most, as well as people with asthma or breathing problems.
“Might keep it inside on the treadmill. Or just kinda play it by ear,” explains Phil Negus.

People on Little Sugar Creek Greenway only noticed a tinge of smoke in the air under Tuesday night’s Code Orange alert.

Many say they’ll take precautions if they see more Wednesday.

Hyser says if you’re going out for an extended time, take short breaths and breathe through your nose.

“The nose is designed to help filter out some of the bad stuff in the air,” Hyser explains.

Expect worsening conditions as you head west from Charlotte.

The Chestnut Knob Fire at South Mountains State Park in Burke County has reached almost 4,000 and remains 20 percent contained.

Further west, the Party Rock Fire near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock is just over 3,500 acres and is 15 percent contained.

Very smoky conditions are expected in close-by communities – with the most smoke in the morning.

Chester and York Counties in South Carolina are also under a Code Red air alert.

Keep in mind outdoor burning is banned under code orange or code red alerts.

That does not apply to outdoor grills or cookers.