(WJET/WFXP)– As smoke from the wildfires in Canada and Minnesota continues to make its way through the region, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert was issued for Erie and some surrounding counties.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said particulate matter (PM2.5) levels from the smoke will place several counties, including Erie, Crawford and Mercer, in the Code Orange range.

Code Orange Alerts were also issued for Ashtabula County, Ohio and Chautauqua County, New York.

Officials are encouraging sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions to avoid heavy outdoor activity during this time.

To help reduce the levels of pollution in the air, the DEP is also strongly encouraging people and businesses in the affected areas to avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment and avoid the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials.

More localized PM2.5 levels can be found online here.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.