GRAHAM, N.C. — The Graham Fire Department is warning of air quality as the old Culp Weaving Mill continues to spark hot spots from a fire Sunday.
That fire collapsed the factory and emitted thick smoke through the neighborhood.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took samples from the site and the City of Graham released an air quality report Thursday night.
It showed the air quality in the two-block radius of the mill is moderate to unhealthy.
Karen Cano said her mother and grandmother live close by.
"We are a little worried, because like the last two days you could smell a lot. It was really bad. They have headaches every day her and my mom that live here they were having headaches," Cano said.
Mark Montgomery also lives near the mill.
He said he had to spray his roof down with water Sunday night, as embers fell on top.
"It was unnerving a little bit, especially Sunday because I came in right as it looked like it was starting. I started watching a football game and had neighbors banging on my door saying, Mark there are embers on your house you need to come out," Montgomery explained.
Now, days after the fire has been put out, he has to deal with the smoke.
"That's why I sort of waited until the end of the week before mowing my front yard. I was waiting for it to sort of settle down," Montgomery said.
The fire department is urging people who live in the area to stay inside as much as possible and limit outdoor activities, especially when there is visible smoke.
Neighbors with health conditions like breathing sensitivities should shelter in place. The fire department is still watching for open flames smoldering beneath debris and said certain areas of the building are unsafe to access.
"Every day we hope its going to get a little bit better because the fire will eventually burn itself out. That's what is producing the smoke now is all the stuff under the debris that's burning," Graham fire Chief Tommy Cole said.
The City of Graham has made the up-to-date EPA reports accessible to the public, here.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation though it has been deemed suspicious.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.