News Summary
An air quality alert has been issued by the National Weather Service for several counties in South Carolina due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. The alert, effective until Monday, warns of lowered air quality affecting sensitive populations. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities as fine particulate pollution poses health risks. This situation reflects broader concerns across the U.S., with reports of unfavorable air quality conditions reaching far beyond South Carolina. The Department of Environmental Services has also declared a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day.
Greenville, South Carolina – An air quality alert was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several regions in South Carolina due to smoke from Canadian wildfires affecting air quality across the United States. The alert was reported on Sunday at 3:57 p.m. and will remain in effect until Monday at 4 p.m.
The alert covers numerous counties, including Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
In addition to the alert, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has declared a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for the Upstate and Catawba regions on Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., indicating conditions are favorable for elevated ozone levels.
The source of the air quality concerns is connected to ongoing wildfires in Canada. As of June 1, 2025, nearly four million acres have burned across the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Prevailing winds are directing smoke southward, impacting air quality in regions as far as the Gulf Coast.
Air quality alerts are not limited to South Carolina; air quality conditions in North Carolina are similarly affected. Individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease are being advised to limit outdoor exertion due to the heightened risk associated with lowered air quality. Sensitive populations including older adults, young children, teenagers, outdoor enthusiasts, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to the pollutants.
Data from Forsyth County indicates that fine particle pollution levels are currently in the low 60s, reflecting low to moderate pollution levels. However, concerns remain due to the potential health risks posed by PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that residents limit driving and reduce electricity usage during the air quality alert period. With expected increases in sunshine and temperatures reaching the 80s, ground-level ozone levels are projected to rise further.
The air quality situation is part of a broader trend seen across the Upper Midwest, where alerts also persist, affecting millions in states such as Minnesota and parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Some communities are reporting air quality index (AQI) levels ranging from 200 to 400, categorizing these conditions as unhealthy to hazardous.
A significant number of U.S. firefighters have been dispatched to Canada to assist in combating the rapidly spreading wildfires. In turn, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has emphasized the necessity of providing aid during this crisis.
According to the latest North American Drought Monitor, only 7% of Canada is experiencing drought conditions, a significant decrease from 40% in 2024. Forecasts predict scattered rain showers in Canada that could help in mitigating fire conditions, although thunderstorms could also pose a risk for new fires due to lightning strikes.
Satellite imagery continues to track smoke movement across eastern U.S. regions, bringing heightened air quality concerns. Unlike the alarming air quality issues observed in 2023 resulting from record wildfires, data for 2025 indicates a lower total of burned acreage year-to-date.
As the situation evolves, authorities urge residents to stay informed about air quality conditions and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
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Mandatory Evacuations in Greenville and Pickens Counties Due to Wildfires
Myrtle Beach Faces Wildfire Crisis Amid State of Emergency
Additional Resources
- WXII12: Canadian Fires Smoke Impacting Air Quality
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- CBS17: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Impact
- Google Search: Air Quality Alerts
- WACH: Air Quality Concerns from Canadian Smoke
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pollution
- Spectrum Local News: Wildfire Smoke Hazy Skies
- Google News: Canadian Wildfires
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
