By MARTHA WAGGONER
Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Smoke from a massive wildfire in eastern North Carolina is so intense that officials are warning residents in the northeastern part of the state to limit their time outdoors.

State Division of Air Quality director Keith Overcash said Friday that air-quality monitors are reporting “some of the highest levels of particle pollution we have ever recorded.”

The division issued a Code Purple on Friday for all areas east of Interstate 95 and north of U.S. 70. The Code Purple is the most severe air pollution warning the state has ever issued. It advises the elderly, children and those with some health problems to avoid all outdoor physical activity.

Cities under the Code Purple warning are: Edenton, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Plymouth, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson.