Protecting Your Health During Horry County Wildfires: What You Need to Know
Horry County residents are facing a serious health threat as wildfires continue to burn across Carolina Forest, Conway, Myrtle Beach, and extending down to Georgetown. These dangerous fires have forced evacuations, destroyed property, and blanketed our communities with thick smoke. Beyond the immediate fire danger, the deteriorating air quality poses significant health risks for everyone in the region, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. As emergency responders work to contain the blazes, health officials with Conway Medical Center and CMC Primary Care are urging residents to take precautions against the harmful effects of prolonged smoke exposure.
“The biggest effect is going to be on your respiratory tract,” explained Gabriella Leary, PA with CMC Primary Care in Surfside. “Very similar to when we have high pollen counts in the spring. Smoke is both a lung and eye irritant, so you want to look out for itchy, watery eyes, and other symptoms like those that you’d experience with springtime allergies.”
According to the EPA, wildfire smoke is a complex mixture containing multiple components, but one aspect of the smoke, called particle pollution, is the primary health threat.
“Smoke consists of fine particles that can get deep in your lungs. As wildfires spread, consuming the forest and other less natural things, the smoke created can become more contaminated. Things like structures, asphalt shingles, plastics, and processed wood, make the smoke emissions more and more hazardous. The chemicals, pollution, and carbon monoxide from all of it are what can be so damaging to your lungs. That’s why it’s so important to monitor the air quality numbers when we find ourselves in conditions like we are in now.”
As of Monday, March 3, 2025, Horry County had a moderate AQI air rating of 98 with a forecast of 101.
What do the air quality numbers mean?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors the air quality and the amount and types of pollutants in it. These are measured to determine an area’s air quality, which is reported using the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
- An AQI of 0 to 50 is considered “good” air quality, while 51 to 100 is considered “moderate” quality.
- Any value above 100 is considered to be unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups of people, such as those with lung diseases, older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are active outdoors.
- At levels between 151 and 300, everyone is recommended to either reduce or avoid intense activities outdoors, while values between 301 and 500 are considered “hazardous” and everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors.
With the current wildfires in Carolina Forest, Conway, and throughout the Myrtle Beach area, many parts of Horry County are experiencing unhealthy AQI ratings that fluctuate as fire conditions and wind patterns change.
“What this means is that you may want to consider shortening your outdoor activity time to limit your exposure. The longer you’re exposed to smoke, there’s more of a chance for it to cause you problems. If levels continue to increase, you’ll want to greatly reduce the amount of time you’re outdoors as well as take preventative measures to keep the smoke out of your indoor areas, keeping doors and windows shut as much as possible,” Leary recommended.
Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke: What Horry County Residents Should Know
The thick smoke currently blanketing Carolina Forest, Conway, and the Myrtle Beach area isn’t just an inconvenience – it can pose serious health challenges for many residents. Local emergency rooms have already reported an uptick in respiratory complaints since the fires began.
“The hazy air can worsen and amplify your existing allergies, creating more inflammation and exacerbating your symptoms. Your skin may itch more. You may experience more coughing, wheezing, phlegm and have more frequent asthma attacks if you suffer from asthma,” describes Leary.
Leary explained that symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. Short-term exposure may cause headaches, sore throat, and runny nose, while prolonged contact with dense smoke can lead to reduced lung function and bronchitis-like symptoms.
Leary explained that how your body reacts to the smoke depends on each individual’s baseline health status. “If you’re a healthy individual, you may have some minor irritating symptoms without having any long-term consequences. But if you’re pregnant or elderly, if you have heart disease or lung disease, or you already have an underlying lung condition or immune condition, you should try to limit that exposure as much as possible as the effects for you can be much more detrimental.”
Health experts recommend creating a “clean room” in your home by using air purifiers with HEPA filters and keeping windows and doors sealed. Monitor local air quality reports and plan essential outdoor activities during periods when smoke levels are lower.
“If you see that air quality levels are high and you need to go outside, wearing a mask is a great way to reduce your exposure,” encourages Leary. “The medical-grade N95 or KN95 masks are the best because they prevent some of those particles from getting into your lungs. Cloth masks offer protection against viruses; however, they aren’t nearly as effective against smoke particles, but I would say they are better than nothing at all.”
CMC Primary Care: Helping you breathe easier
If you experience any changes in your breathing due to the local wildfire conditions, Gabriella Leary, PA and CMC Primary Care recommend scheduling an appointment for a medical evaluation to be on the safe side, especially if your issues come on suddenly or won’t go away. They offer a variety of treatment options to keep you feeling good and ensure that you fully recover. They also offer chronic disease management services for asthma and other health conditions that may be exacerbated by the current air quality situation.
CMC Primary Care also provides immunizations in-office to protect you from pneumonia and other contagious diseases that can cause respiratory issues. Call us today and breathe a little easier knowing you are in the right hands, even as our community faces these challenging wildfire conditions.
Gabriella Leary, PA
To set an appointment with Gabriella Leary, PA at CMC Primary Care – Surfside, call 843-238-5654 today!
