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Smoke in region due to shift in wind, active wildfires throughout Virginia

Crystal Graham
blue ridge parkway smoke wildfire
Milepost 168 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, smoke from the Tuggle’s Gap fire is seen in the distance. Photo courtesy NPS.

There is a significant haze in the area due to smoke from active wildfires in Virginia. Smoke is being seen in Staunton, Augusta County, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

According to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center, today’s wind shift is the cause of the smoke.

There are active fires in Pendleton, Madison and Rockbridge counties.

Staunton Fire and Rescue said citizens with breathing problems such as asthma or COPD are encouraged to stay indoors and keep the windows and doors shut.

Outdoor activities should be limited for everyone.

To stay updated on air quality, visit airnow.gov

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.