EOC: Smell of Smoke is From Virginia Brush Fire

The smell of smoke in the air around Harford County is due to a large fire burning in Virginia, according to the Emergency Operations Center.

The EOC put out a call through the county's Connect CTY system Saturday morning, with the following message, also sent out via email:

This is Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers, currently there is a 6,000 acre brush fire in Virginia that began on August 4th and it is only 10% contained. The smell of the smoke from that fire has began to reach Harford County with-in the last hour. Those people with known respiratory conditions should use caution regarding your outdoor exposure until the situation improves.

Fire and EMS services in Harford County have seen an increase in calls due to the smell of smoke.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency said the conditions should remain throughout the day.

According to the U.S. Forestry Service, the fire is the largest in the history of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The regrowth from a 2008 fire is fueling the current fire.

More information is available here.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency recommends residents should ensure any smoke is not from a local fire when reporting an emergency. Also, it recommends residents with respiratory conditions should use caution in regard to prolonged outdoor exposure.