Protecting Your Health from Wildfire Smoke: What Horry County Residents Need to Know
Smoke from the Marion County wildfire is drifting north into Horry County, blanketing Conway, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding communities with hazy air that poses real health risks. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has issued an Air Quality Alert as calm, stagnant weather conditions trap smoke close to the ground, especially overnight and in the mornings. While emergency responders work to contain the blaze, Conway Medical Center and CMC Primary Care providers are urging Horry County residents to take the smoke seriously and protect themselves from harmful exposure.
“The biggest effect is going to be on your respiratory tract,” explained Dr. Paul Richardson, MD, ABIM, Chief Medical Officer of Conway Medical Center. “Very similar to when we have high pollen counts in the spring. Smoke is both a lung and eye irritant, so you want to look out for itchy, watery eyes, and other symptoms like those you’d experience with springtime allergies.”
Experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent cough, or worsening asthma symptoms from the wildfire smoke? CMC Primary Care providers can evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment to help you breathe easier. Call 843-347-8000 to schedule an appointment at one of 14 convenient Horry County locations.
In this article:
Understanding Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
The Marion County wildfire that’s affecting Horry County air quality started as a prescribed burn more than a month ago that reignited and spread rapidly. The fire has consumed more than 1,750 acres and smoke from firefighting “burnout” operations—where crews intentionally burn vegetation ahead of the wildfire to slow its spread—has added to the haze affecting our area.
According to the EPA, wildfire smoke is a complex mixture containing multiple components, but one part of the smoke called particle pollution presents the primary health threat.
“Smoke consists of fine particles that can get deep in your lungs,” Dr. Richardson said. “As wildfires spread, consuming the forest and other less natural things, the smoke created can become more contaminated. Things like structures, asphalt shingles, plastics, and processed wood make the smoke emissions more and more hazardous. The chemicals, pollution, and carbon monoxide from all of it are what can be so damaging to your lungs. That’s why it’s so important to monitor the air quality numbers when we find ourselves in conditions like we are in now.”
The smoke isn’t just an inconvenience—it carries tiny particles that bypass your body’s natural defenses and lodge deep in lung tissue, where they can cause both immediate symptoms and longer-term health problems.
What the Air Quality Numbers Actually Mean
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors air quality and the amount and types of pollutants in it. These measurements determine an area’s air quality, which is reported using the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
Understanding the AQI Scale:
0 to 50: Good Air quality poses little or no risk. Enjoy outdoor activities as normal.
51 to 100: Moderate Air quality is acceptable for most people. However, unusually sensitive individuals may experience minor symptoms with prolonged outdoor exposure.
101 to 150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups People with lung diseases, older adults, children and teenagers, and those who are active outdoors may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
151 to 200: Unhealthy Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
201 to 300: Very Unhealthy Health alert—everyone is recommended to reduce or avoid intense outdoor activities.
301 to 500: Hazardous Health warning of emergency conditions. Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors.
As of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Horry County had an air quality rating fluctuating between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups due to smoke from the Marion County fires. These numbers change as fire conditions and wind patterns shift.
“What this means is that you may want to consider shortening your outdoor activity time to limit your exposure,” Dr. Richardson recommended. “The longer you’re exposed to smoke, there’s more of a chance for it to cause you problems. If levels continue to increase, you’ll want to greatly reduce the amount of time you’re outdoors as well as take preventative measures to keep the smoke out of your indoor areas, keeping doors and windows shut as much as possible.”
Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke Exposure
The thick smoke currently affecting Horry County from the Marion fires isn’t just making the sky hazy—it can create serious health challenges for many residents. Local emergency rooms typically see an uptick in respiratory complaints when wildfire smoke impacts air quality.
Common Symptoms of Smoke Exposure:
Wildfire smoke can trigger a range of symptoms depending on exposure length and your baseline health.
Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
- Itchy, watery, or burning eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Increased coughing
- Headaches
- Sinus irritation
More Serious Symptoms:
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Increased phlegm production
- Worsening asthma attacks
- Bronchitis-like symptoms
- Reduced lung function
“The hazy air can worsen and amplify your existing allergies, creating more inflammation and making your symptoms worse,” Dr. Richardson explained. “Your skin may itch more. You may experience more coughing, wheezing, phlegm and have more frequent asthma attacks if you suffer from asthma.”
Short-term exposure may cause mild irritation that resolves quickly once air quality improves. However, prolonged contact with dense smoke—especially over multiple days—can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and more severe breathing problems.
Who’s Most at Risk
Not everyone reacts to wildfire smoke the same way. Your body’s response depends largely on your baseline health status and any pre-existing conditions.
“If you’re a healthy individual, you may have some minor irritating symptoms without having any long-term consequences,” Dr. Richardson said. “But if you’re pregnant or elderly, if you have heart disease or lung disease, or you already have an underlying lung condition or immune condition, you should try to limit that exposure as much as possible as the effects for you can be much more detrimental.”
People at Higher Risk Include:
Children and Teenagers Young lungs are still developing and children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to smoke damage.
Older Adults (65+) Aging immune systems and higher rates of chronic conditions make older adults particularly susceptible to smoke-related complications.
Pregnant Women Smoke exposure can affect both mother and baby, potentially impacting fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
People with Asthma or COPD Pre-existing lung conditions mean airways are already compromised. Smoke can trigger severe attacks requiring emergency care.
People with Heart Disease Particulate matter in smoke can worsen cardiovascular conditions and increase heart attack risk.
People with Weakened Immune Systems Those undergoing cancer treatment, taking immunosuppressant medications, or with conditions like HIV are more vulnerable to smoke-related illness.
Outdoor Workers and Athletes People who spend extended time outdoors or engage in vigorous outdoor activity breathe more deeply and rapidly, inhaling more smoke particles.
If you fall into any of these categories, take extra precautions during the current air quality alert.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home
You can’t stop the smoke from being in the air, but you can take steps to minimize your exposure and protect your health while Horry County deals with smoke from the Marion fires.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
Check air quality reports before planning outdoor activities. Several apps and websites provide real-time AQI updates for Horry County.
When air quality is moderate to unhealthy:
- Shorten outdoor activity time significantly
- Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors (reschedule that run or yard work)
- Plan essential outdoor errands for times when smoke levels are lower (often mid-afternoon when conditions improve)
- Keep children and pets indoors as much as possible
Wear Proper Masks When Necessary
If you must go outside when air quality levels are high, proper masks can reduce your smoke exposure.
“If you see that air quality levels are high and you need to go outside, wearing a mask is a great way to reduce your exposure,” Dr. Richardson said. “The medical-grade N95 or KN95 masks are the best because they prevent some of those particles from getting into your lungs. Cloth masks offer protection against viruses; however, they aren’t nearly as effective against smoke particles, but I would say they are better than nothing at all.”
Mask Guidelines:
- N95 and KN95 masks filter out fine particles most effectively
- Ensure proper fit—gaps around edges reduce effectiveness
- Cloth masks provide minimal protection against smoke but are better than nothing
- Surgical masks offer more protection than cloth but less than N95s
Create a Clean Indoor Environment
Your home can serve as a safe haven from smoky outdoor air if you take the right steps.
Keep Smoke Out:
- Close all windows and doors
- Set air conditioning to recirculate mode rather than pulling in outside air
- Seal gaps under doors with towels if smoke smell is strong
- Avoid activities that worsen indoor air quality (smoking, burning candles, frying food, vacuuming)
Create a Clean Room: Health experts recommend designating one room as a “clean room” with the best possible air quality—often a bedroom where you spend nighttime hours.
- Use portable air purifiers with HEPA filters in this space
- Keep the door closed as much as possible
- If you don’t have an air purifier, focus on keeping this room well-sealed from outdoor air
Air Purifier Tips:
- Choose purifiers with HEPA filters specifically designed to remove fine particles
- Size matters—ensure the purifier is rated for your room size
- Run purifiers continuously when air quality is poor
- Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations (more frequently during smoke events)
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps your body handle smoke exposure more effectively and keeps mucous membranes moist, making them less irritated by smoke particles.
Monitor Your Symptoms
Pay attention to how your body responds to the smoke. If you notice symptoms worsening or persisting, don’t wait—contact your healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Care
Most people can manage mild smoke-related symptoms at home with the protective measures outlined above. However, certain symptoms require medical attention.
Call CMC Primary Care (843-347-8000) if you experience:
- Persistent cough that doesn’t improve when you’re indoors with clean air
- Unusual shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Worsening asthma symptoms despite using rescue inhaler
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Concerns about how the smoke is affecting your pre-existing condition
Seek Emergency Care (CMC Emergency Department or call 911) if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Severe asthma attack not responding to rescue medication
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
Don’t hesitate to seek care if you’re worried about your symptoms. Healthcare providers would rather evaluate you and provide reassurance than have you wait too long with a serious problem.
CMC Primary Care: Here to Help You Breathe Easier
If you experience any changes in your breathing due to the wildfire smoke affecting Horry County, CMC Primary Care providers recommend scheduling an appointment for a medical evaluation—especially if your issues come on suddenly or won’t go away.
CMC Primary Care Offers:
Respiratory Health Evaluation Comprehensive assessment of your breathing symptoms, lung function, and overall respiratory health.
Treatment for Smoke-Related Symptoms Medications and interventions to relieve coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and other smoke exposure symptoms.
Chronic Disease Management Specialized care for asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions that may be worsened by current air quality issues.
Preventive Care and Immunizations Pneumonia vaccines and other immunizations to protect you from respiratory infections that can compound smoke-related breathing problems.
Personalized Guidance Specific advice on protecting your health based on your individual medical history and risk factors.
With 14 convenient locations across Horry County—including Conway, Aynor, Myrtle Beach area, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Little River, and Murrells Inlet—expert care is close to home even as our community deals with challenging wildfire smoke conditions.
Don’t wait until breathing problems become severe. CMC Primary Care providers can evaluate your symptoms, provide treatment, and help you figure out the best ways to protect your respiratory health during this air quality event. Call 843-347-8000 to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you.
Key Points
- Smoke from Marion County wildfire is affecting Horry County air quality, with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issuing an Air Quality Alert as calm weather traps smoke close to the ground.
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that penetrate deep into lungs causing symptoms similar to spring allergies—itchy/watery eyes, coughing, sore throat—but can lead to more serious respiratory problems with prolonged exposure.
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 0-50 (good) to 301-500 (hazardous); Horry County levels are fluctuating between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups, requiring residents to limit outdoor time.
- High-risk groups include children, older adults (65+), pregnant women, people with asthma/COPD or heart disease, those with weakened immune systems, and outdoor workers—these individuals should minimize outdoor exposure as much as possible.
- Protect yourself by limiting outdoor time, wearing N95 or KN95 masks when you must go outside, keeping windows and doors closed, using HEPA air purifiers indoors, and creating a designated “clean room” in your home.
- Seek medical care from CMC Primary Care (843-347-8000) for persistent cough, unusual shortness of breath, or worsening asthma symptoms; seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or symptoms not responding to medication.
- CMC Primary Care offers respiratory health evaluation, treatment for smoke-related symptoms, chronic disease management for asthma and COPD, preventive immunizations, and personalized guidance at 14 Horry County locations.
