The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Harrisonburg and other nearby locations reaches 168 at 1 p.m. The index goes on a scale from 50 to 300, 50 being healthy and 300 being very hazardous. This was caused by a wildfire in Bedford County, which is two hours from Harrisonburg. 

The AQI is measured based on pollutant concentrations, which is the concept of how much polluting substance in the air. When a wildfire happens, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. 

Another danger is particulate pollution or particulate matter (PM), solid and liquid matter stuck in the air. These substances are microscopic and some can only be seen with an electron microscope. When there is a wildfire, the PM increases and the air becomes unhealthy to breath because of the inhaling of the particulate matter. 

It is recommended for those with heart and lung diseases or older adults to take steps to reduce exposure to the pollutant. It is recommended to change outdoor activities to indoors to avoid spending large quantities of time outside.