Smoke Seen Across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina Linked to 1,000-Acre Prescribed Burn in Transylvania County
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA — Residents across Greenville, Spartanburg, and parts of western North Carolina may notice hazy skies and a smell of smoke this week — but officials say there’s no cause for alarm. The haze is coming from a 1,000-acre prescribed burn in Transylvania County, North Carolina, intended to reduce wildfire risks and promote forest health.
According to forestry officials, the burn is being conducted under controlled conditions by state and federal fire management teams. The smoke plume has been carried southward by upper-level winds, spreading over portions of Henderson County, North Carolina, and drifting into Greenville and Spartanburg Counties in South Carolina.
What Is a Prescribed Burn?
A prescribed burn, also known as a controlled burn, is a carefully planned fire intentionally set by forestry professionals to mimic natural fire cycles. These burns help clear excess underbrush, recycle nutrients into the soil, and prevent uncontrolled wildfires from spreading later in the season.
Fire crews follow strict weather and safety guidelines — including monitoring wind speeds, humidity levels, and fuel moisture — to ensure the blaze remains contained within designated boundaries.
Officials emphasized that air quality impacts are expected to be temporary, though sensitive individuals — including those with asthma, respiratory conditions, or heart disease — are advised to limit outdoor activity if they notice smoke irritation.
Areas Affected by the Smoke
The smoke is currently visible across:
- Transylvania County, NC — the site of the burn
- Henderson County, NC — light to moderate smoke observed
- Greenville County, SC — haze reported in the northern sections
- Spartanburg County, SC — drifting smoke possible through Thursday evening
Satellite imagery shows a distinct smoke plume extending southeast from western North Carolina toward Upstate South Carolina, as indicated by the National Weather Service’s Greenville-Spartanburg office.
Officials Reassure Residents
Local emergency management agencies confirmed that the fire is fully controlled and poses no threat to homes or property. “This is a managed, intentional fire — not a wildfire,” a Transylvania County Fire official stated. “Prescribed burns like this one are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems and preventing future catastrophic wildfires.”
Residents are encouraged not to report smoke sightings unless they observe flames outside the designated burn area.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts suggest that winds will gradually shift eastward overnight, which should help disperse the smoke across a wider area, reducing its concentration. By late Friday, visibility and air quality across Upstate South Carolina are expected to improve.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely through both ground crews and satellite data to ensure the burn remains within planned perimeters.
Stay informed about local environmental updates, weather alerts, and wildfire safety across the Carolinas at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
