Wildfires in southern Georgia have prompted an Air Quality Alert for several South Carolina counties.
The alert, issued by the state Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), is in effect until Thursday for the following counties: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union, and Williamsburg.
An Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified area may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.
SCDES reports southerly winds on the west side of high pressure will continue to push smoke from the wildfires into the state and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Air quality has been deteriorating since early Wednesday with smoke expected to become more noticeable into the evening and overnight.
SCDES recommends individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors and/or move all activities indoors to avoid smoke or fine particulates.