(WHTM) – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a statewide Code Red Air Quality alert as wildfire smoke moves in from Canada and the Midwest.

A Code Red alert is the third-most severe air quality index, indicating the air is unhealthy.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

SIGN UP NOW

The DEP says wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota will enter Pennsylvania’s northernmost counties and push into southern counties Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.

Residents are being encouraged to avoid outdoor activities, and businesses are encouraged to reduce air pollution. That includes avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use, and avoiding open burning.

Children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.

Wildfire smoke has previously impacted residents in the region, including in 2023 when the air was filled with smoke from Canadian wildfires for several days.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.