By Sierra Marling, The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for Cabell County and 11 other southern West Virginia counties by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
The alert is due to regional wildfire smoke in the southeastern areas of the state. The alert will be in place through Saturday.
“These fires are easier to start because of the drought,” said Levi Cornett, meteorologist with the Charleston National Weather Service. “A lack of rainfall and dry, warm days makes it easier for wildfires to start.”
He also said the rain and humidity can cause smoke to stay trapped in the valleys.
This alert focuses on all cities in the following counties:
- Wayne
- Cabell
- Lincoln
- Putnam
- Kanawha
- Mingo
- Logan
- Boone
- McDowell
- Wyoming
- Raleigh
- Fayette