LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Smoke from wildfires continues to create hazy skies and poor air quality across the region.
The smoky conditions changed Friday night’s atmosphere in downtown Lynchburg.
On most summer nights, people come to downtown Lynchburg to enjoy dinner, drinks and the mountain views. But the smoke erased the scenery and worsened air quality, leaving some restaurants with fewer guests.
Taylor Meeks, manager of Bootleggers, said customers come for the view, but the haze made for a slower night.
“Nobody needs to come outside today,” Meeks said.
Just down the street at Water Dog, manager Alex Jaeger said the smoke changed the usual Friday night atmosphere.
“It usually is busier in the summer out here,” Jaeger said.
“Step outside and everything is filled up,” Jaeger said.
READ MORE: Air quality alerts issued as Canadian wildfire smoke blankets Central Virginia
But Friday night, most people were eating indoors.
“I know we’ve already called off our service for outside, just cause I guess everyone has already seen it’s pretty hazy and smells like burning plastic. No one wants to sit out here,” Jaeger said.
Not every restaurant is seeing the same response.
At Trailhead, owner John Seinar said they’re keeping a close eye on conditions, but for now, business is continuing as usual.
“I don’t think it’s too terrible right now, but we’re definitely keeping our eye on it for sure,” Seinar said.
Even with the smoky skies, music carried on as some continued to enjoy the night outside.
“It’s kind of one of those things we just got to make the best of the situation and press on and, you know, so far it hasn’t affected too much, so,” Seinar said.