The Carolinas Lighting Up for the Holidays
Graphic Courtesy of Devan Trout
Grant Moses- Staff Writer
For the last two weeks the Carolinas have been battling the wildfires due to the dryness of the environment . Over 2,000 firemen and rescue squad members have been fighting the wildfires to get them under control in both Carolinas.
Table Rock State Park has been on fire for several days now, covering over 5,100 acres, leaving residents prepared for potential evacuations. According to the Pickens County Fire Authorities, there have been three helicopters from Tennessee that were in route to help try to get the fires under control.
North Carolina Governor, Pat McCory and South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley have been working together to get a plan to put out the fires and keep the residents of the Carolinas out of harm’s way. According to North Carolina officials, over $2 million hA already been spent in the state of North Carolina to fight to the raging wildfires.
People need to know the smoke from these fires can cause medical conditions. Ronda Thompson, Chief of the Bureau of Air Quality, said: “Smoke from these fires can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases.” Because of these conditions school districts across the upstates of both Carolinas have either made school optional, or are delaying or canceling school for the safety of the students. An Air Quality Action has been declared for the Upstate of South Carolina.
Students of North Greenville University should know that student life has been handing out facemasks to students that may need or want in regards of their safety. Officials of the university stress that student’s should stay inside as all times if possible to keep the health of the students safe from the smoke.
Click here for more information regarding the Air Quality Action.
