Smell smoke in the air? We know why! | Environment

Smell a hint of smoke in the air?  WBTV did as well, so we asked what was happening.

According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, people in North and South Carolina are smelling smoke from a major wildfire burning in southern Georgia and northern Florida.

WBTV has learned the fire, which is known as the "Honey Prairie" wildfire, is nearly 148,500 acres in size.  Forestry officials say the fire is nearly 70-percent contrained at this time. Pilots with the forestry commission confirmed that smoke is drifting north.

"Residents may continue to smell light smoke until the fire is controlled or weather conditions alter smoke dispersal," the Forestry Commission said in a release on Thursday.

Forestry Commission aircraft are monitoring fire activity in South Carolina and is sending seven wildland firefighters and heavy equipment to help with efforts in Georgia.