Smoke from Canadian wildfires combined with a wildfire east of Fairfield has left a haze hanging over the mountains in Rockbridge County.
The smoke from the Canadian wildfires is visible as far as southern Virginia, according to the National Weather Service. Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue Chief Nathan Ramsey told the News-Gazette that he has spoken with Forest Service officials, who believe that what local residents are seeing is a mix of that smoke and smoke from the Taylor Hollow Fire in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
The Taylor Hollow Fire, which is near the Irish Creek community, has grown to 108 acres. As of Thursday, more than 100 firefighters are still battling the flames and have the fire 60% contained. Steep and rocky terrain has hampered their efforts, but a Forest Service spokesperson said they have made progress in the past few days.
That fire started on July 5. Officials said they have not determined the cause, but there was lightning in the area at the time the fire broke out.
The lingering smoke left for an eerie sunset across the Blue Ridge on Wednesday evening and some people reported smelling smoke.
The haze is expected to last through at least Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Air quality remains good at the Natural Bridge Ranger Station, according to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, although Roanoke and and Charlottesville are seeing moderate air quality, which means unusually sensitive people should be careful during outdoor activities. If you’re traveling through the state this summer break, air quality is currently considered to be unhealthy for people with conditions like asthma in Richmond and in Northern Virginia.
