Smoke from the Freeman Fire moves into metro Phoenix. Here's what to know

Phoenix-area residents were expected to see residual wildfire smoke from the Freeman Fire blow into the area during the next few days, meteorologists with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality reported Friday.

There was an ozone high-pollution advisory in effect for Maricopa County on Friday. Moderate air quality levels were expected to return on Saturday and Saturday.

The Freeman Fire was burning north of Tucson and had grown to more than 26,000 acres. Most of the smoke from the wildfire was expected to move off to the east and north over the next couple of days. Meteorologists, however, anticipated some smoke could drain into Oro Valley and north Tucson overnight.

The high ozone levels can cause breathing difficulties for children and older adults. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues.

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Storm chances in the evenings and the potential for blowing dust were also anticipated.

According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix had an 18% chance of rain Saturday and a 30% chance of rain Sunday. Rain could result in lower ozone levels and mitigate blowing dust.

Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @maritzacdom .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Smoke from the Freeman Fire moves into metro Phoenix. Here's what to know