ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A fire that broke out in West Asheville on Saturday afternoon sent a fresh cloud of smoke blowing through the area, worrying nearby residents.
According to the Asheville Fire Department, much of the increased smoke in the West Asheville area is residual smoke from ongoing brush fires in the area and not from another substantial brush fire within the city limits.
But, about 4 p.m., Asheville firefighters did respond to a brush fire in the area of East Oakview Road. That fire was fully contained not long after.
Wildfires across Western North Carolina are significantly impacting air quality in the region. Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties were under a Code Red Air Quality Action Day, indicating unhealthy air conditions for all individuals.
By Saturday afternoon, the Air Quality Index for Asheville was at 51, categorized as moderate.