Air Quality Alert: Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke in Henderson County

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (March 27, 2025) – Henderson County is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to heavy smoke from the ongoing wildfires. The Henderson County Department of Public Health asks residents to stay informed and monitor air quality updates.

Henderson County is under a Code Red Air Quality Day for Thursday, March 27 due to smoke impacts from ongoing wildfires, according to the forecast from the North Carolina Division of Air Quality. This means older adults, children, active people and those with heart or lung disease may experience more serious health effects.

The latest forecast puts Henderson County very close to Code Purple, which indicates “very unhealthy” conditions. Under these conditions everyone should avoid outdoor exertion.

Heavy smoke can be dangerous for everyone’s health. Please follow these health and safety recommendations:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and use an air filtration system if available.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor smoke exposure.
  • In vehicles, set air conditioning to “re-circulate” mode.
  • Avoid outdoor activities, particularly exercise or strenuous work.
  • If going outside is necessary, wear an N95 respirator mask to help filter harmful particles. Cloth masks are ineffective against fine particulate matter. Please check with retailers on N95 supply.
  • Stay hydrated and monitor for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. Seek medical care immediately if symptoms become severe.

For more information on air quality forecasts, visit https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/outreach-education-engagement/air-quality-forecasts

For more information on Henderson County’s response to the wildfires, visit https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em/page/henderson-county-emergency-updates

Sign up for Henderson County NC Emergency Alerts to receive critical wildfire updates in addition to severe weather, road closures and evacuations of buildings and neighborhoods. To sign up text AlertHC to 226787.