Smoke from a massive wildfire in far eastern North Carolina that has drifted hundreds of miles to the west is having a much worse effect on air quality that originally forecast.

See Map Of Fire Locations And Damage

The state Division of Air Quality issued a Code Red notice for Thursday and Friday for the Triangle area of Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham, as well as the Rocky Mount area.
A Code Red means the air quality is forecast to be generally unhealthy. An air quality division spokesman said the state's monitors are "just off the charts."

The smoke is carrying fine particles, which put those with respiratory problems at risk. The forecast originally was at Code Orange level, which means those with asthma, allergies and respiratory problems might experience problems. But the air quality alert was upgraded later Thursday.

Learn More About Air Quality Forecasts

People could experience tightness in the chest, a dry repetitive cough or feel like they can't get any air. Doctors at WakeMed recommend people:
Limit their time outdoors
Avoid vigorous activity outside if possible.
Stay inside with windows up and the a/c on. Air conditioners help filter out particles.
The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department cancelled all of its outdoor recreational activities for Thursday and Friday because of the smoke.

The North Carolina wildfire has burned more than 39,000 acres in and around the Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge since a lightning strike ignited the blaze June 1 on privately owned land.
Firefighters plan to burn harvested wheat fields around the fire, in hopes that will stop the fields from fueling the fire, making it easier to contain.

The National Weather Service models show the smoke plume should start pulling away in the next 48 hours as it starts to move southwest.

According to the NWS, visibilities overnight in locations in the Eastern Piedmont and especially Wake, Johnston and Wayne counties may be significantly reduced due to a little fog combining with the smoke. The smoke will continue across the area into Friday.

During the day Friday the smoke plume will start to move more to the northwest across Rocky-Mount, Roanoke Rapids, Nashville, Youngsville and Roxboro.

Several area emergency communication departments said they have received numerous calls about the smell of smoke and the looming haze. They want to remind residents that they are aware of the smoke and it is due to the shift in winds pushing the smoke from the wildfire in Eastern N.C. to the Triangle.

While citizens are urged to call 911 if they see smoke or flames coming directly from a structure, vehicle, or wooded area, authorities are asking the public to use care before calling 911 for the smoky haze that is a temporary environmental condition.