UPDATE
Much of our region is still experiencing poor air quality due to smoke from the Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County.
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On Monday, Nov. 20, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a health alert for the following areas:
- Bedford
- Botetourt
- Alleghany
- Bath
- Amherst
- Rockbridge
- Campbell
- The City of Lynchburg
Authorities said as of 6 a.m., air quality is in the hazardous range in Big Island, in the very unhealthy range in Bedford and in the unhealthy range near Lynchburg and Amherst.
Those who reside in the previously mentioned localities are asked to avoid physical activity outdoors if they have existing heart or lung ailments, such as asthma. Everyone else is urged to refrain from engaging in long or intense activities if they are able to.
People living in the other areas mentioned are asked to limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities until smoke conditions improve. If you are unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially if you have heart or lung disease, including asthma, you should avoid strenuous outdoor activities until conditions improve.
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops
ORIGINAL STORY
As crews continue to battle the Matts Creek wildfire, residents in the surrounding areas are being impacted by the smoke.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Health Alert for the following areas:
- Bedford County
- Amherst County
- Campbell County
- Charlotte County
- Appomattox County
- City of Lynchburg
Officials said residents of those areas to limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities until conditions improve.
For more information on current conditions and health alerts, click here.
