Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert Across Pennsylvania

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has pushed Pennsylvania air quality to Code Purple — very unhealthy for everyone. What it means for Berks County and how to stay safe.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Smoke from massive wildfires burning across Canada and northern Minnesota has drifted into Pennsylvania, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Friday, July 17. The alert warns that air pollution has reached levels considered very unhealthy for everyone , regardless of age or health status. Residents across the Commonwealth have reported hazy skies, the smell of smoke, and unusually red or orange sunrises as thick plumes of wildfire smoke continue to move south on upper-level winds. According to the DEP, the smoke contains elevated concentrations of PM2.5 , microscopic particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. These tiny particles can aggravate asthma, trigger heart and lung conditions, and cause respiratory irritation in otherwise healthy individuals. Health Officials Urge Residents to Limit Outdoor Activity During a Code Purple alert, everyone—not just sensitive groups—is encouraged to reduce time outdoors. Common symptoms of smoke exposure include: Coughing or sore throat Burning or watery eyes Runny nose or congestion Shortness of breath Fatigue or headaches Anyone experiencing chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or worsening respiratory symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Health officials also recommend that residents: Keep windows and doors closed. Run air conditioning on the recirculation setting. Use HEPA air purifiers if available. Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and yard work. Wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator if extended outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Cloth masks and standard surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against PM2.5 particles. Why Is Smoke Traveling So Far? Meteorologists say strong upper-atmosphere winds are carrying smoke more than 1,000 miles from active wildfires burning across Canada into the northeastern United States. The current wildfire season has been fueled by prolonged drought, hot temperatures, and dry forest conditions, allowing fires to burn intensely and send massive smoke plumes high into the atmosphere before they are carried south. The smoke has affected air quality across much of the Midwest and Northeast, with air quality alerts issued in numerous states as conditions deteriorated. Residents Can Help Improve Air Quality While Pennsylvanians cannot stop the incoming wildfire smoke, the DEP is encouraging residents to avoid adding unnecessary pollution during the air quality emergency. Officials recommend delaying the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, avoiding campfires and outdoor burning, reducing unnecessary vehicle travel, and conserving electricity whenever possible. Stay Informed Air quality conditions can change quickly as weather patterns shift. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and follow guidance from state and local officials — including the live air quality reading in the top bar of this site. With wildfire smoke expected to linger until weather conditions improve, health experts say taking simple precautions now can significantly reduce exposure and protect vulnerable family members. For the latest air quality information and health advisories, residents can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA's AirNow monitoring system.