Wildfires Impacting Air Quality

Our area is currently being impacted by smoke from wildfires burning throughout Canada, with areas of smoke expected across much of the Commonwealth and forecast to increase throughout the day.

Air Quality Alerts are in effect today for the entire state. Areas of smoke will result in visibility restrictions and unhealthy air quality today into Saturday. Smoke conditions will improve later this weekend with increasing rain chances.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) uses a color-coded air quality forecast system:

• As of 10:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in Richmond and surrounding areas based on current ground-level fine particles has entered the Code Purple range (Current Air Quality Conditions). Active children and adults should avoid strenuous outdoor activities throughout the day. People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid all outdoor activities, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy. 

According to AirNow.gov, Fluvanna County currently (10:45am, Friday 7/17) has unhealthy air quality.

• An unhealthy air quality rating means:
  • People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens:
  • Avoid physical activities outdoors.
• Everyone else:
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Keep outdoor activities short.
  • Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

For up-to-date air quality, please visit airnow.gov or the Virginia DEQ.

To help reduce your exposure, please follow these guidelines from the CDC:

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Breathing Wildfire Smoke

• Pay attention to local air quality reports and the US Air Quality Index (AQI). Pay attention to public health messages and take extra safety measures such as avoiding spending time outdoors.
• If you are told to stay indoors, stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.
• Use an air filter. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal to help protect people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions and the elderly and children from the effects of wildfire smoke. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement and where to place the device.
• Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles and fireplaces. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke tobacco or other products, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
• Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.