Smoke from a nearly 30,000-acre wildfire burning in Hyde County apparently contributed to the fog haze in Pasquotank County on Friday, a National Weather Service meteorologist said.

While a satellite view of smoke in the area was blocked by cloud cover Friday morning, meteorologist Sonia Mark said a southeast low weather formation was pushing smoke from the fire toward this area.

While no weather advisories had been issued for the Albemarle because of smoke, the weather service had issued heat advisories for this region Friday and expected a higher heat index on the weekend of 105.

Chowan County Emergency Management Coordinator Patty Madry said smoke had lessened in her county from earlier in the week.

"It seems to be a little better, but there's not a great improvement," she said.

She said the smoke, which is usually heavier at night, could possibly linger for weeks as the North Carolina Forest Service tries to quell fires that are burning through the peat soil.

The fire broke through containment lines this week on its northern, eastern and southeastern perimeters as it grew to 28,985 acres, causing home evacuations in Hyde County, according to a forest service release. Officials estimate the fire was 30 percent contained at about 11 a.m. Friday.

As the peat soil burns, tree roots are becoming dislodged causing the trees to fall into nearby roadways.

Wesley Smith, Hyde County Health Director says that, "People and their pets living in the immediate vicinity of the fire, or downwind of the smoke, should stay inside as much as possible. Anyone, especially those with chronic health problems, small children, and the elderly should consult their health care provider if they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or persistent cough.

"Everyone should also be aware of the symptoms of exposure to harmful levels of carbon monoxide, which include headaches, dizziness, sleepiness or confusion," he said.