Smoke from the Pender county wildfire is posing a health threat for some people in Onslow county.

In the past two days in Onslow county there have been reports of thick smoke and even ash from the wildfire.

Onslow Memorial Hospital officials say they have seen at least 9 patients come in with an illness related to smoke blowing into the area. One of those patients, Dorothy Case, says she had an asthma attack because of the smoke. Hospital officials are warning people with previous respiratory conditions, the elderly, and the young to try and stay inside in a ventilated area. Derek Webb is the father of a one year old and says he has been trying to keep his son out of the smoke.

"Mostly just trying to keep him inside where you have air filters and things, not let him stay outside where he will play in the ash and breath in the smoke," said Webb.

Hospital officials say that if you or a loved one are coughing, have shortness of breath, or your ears or mouth are burning then you should go to the hospital to get checked out.