AEUS72 KCAE 141957
AQACAE

Air Quality Alert Message
Relayed by National Weather Service Columbia SC
357 PM EDT Thu Mar 14 2024

GAZ064-065-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-135>137-151400-
Columbia-Richmond-Chesterfield-McCormick-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-
Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland-Lee-Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-
Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg-
Southeastern Orangeburg-
Including the cities of Martinez, Evans, Augusta, Cheraw, Pageland, 
McCormick, Clarks Hill, Newberry, Winnsboro, Winnsboro Mills, 
Camden, Lugoff, Elgin, Edgefield, Johnston, Murphys Estates, Saluda,
Ridge Spring, Seven Oaks, West Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, Red Bank,
Oak Grove, Batesburg-Leesville, Columbia, Bishopville, Aiken, 
North Augusta, Sumter, Barnwell, Williston, Blackville, 
St. Matthews, Manning, Summerton, Bamberg, Denmark, North, 
Springfield, Neeses, Orangeburg, Brookdale, Holly Hill, Bowman, 
Branchville, Elloree, Santee, and Eutawville
357 PM EDT Thu Mar 14 2024

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT FRIDAY...

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 
has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for Calhoun, 
Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, 
Saluda, Sumter, Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, McCormick, Chesterfield,
Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, and Marlboro counties in South 
Carolina, as well a Columbia and Richmond counties in Georgia. 

An Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations 
within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards
for individuals sensitive to particle pollution. 

The smoke/particulate matter concentrations are likely due to 
numerous prescribed burns across the region.

DHEC recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues 
limit time spent outdoors and/or move all activities indoors to
avoid the smoke or fine particulates. Keep windows and doors closed.
Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh-air intake
closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke and fine 
particulates from getting inside.

For more information about fine particulates, please visit: 
https://fire.airnow.gov

For more information about wildfires/prescribed burns, please visit:
https://www.scfc.gov/

$$