The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, July 16, as wildfire smoke is expected to create unhealthy air quality across Pennsylvania, including Berks County.
According to DEP, smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota will move into Pennsylvania’s northern counties before spreading south Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, resulting in elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
A Code Red alert indicates air quality is unhealthy for everyone. DEP said all residents should consider limiting outdoor activities, while sensitive groups — including children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory illnesses — should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and consider moving activities indoors.
Residents are encouraged to monitor current air quality conditions by visiting AirNow.gov.
DEP is also asking residents and businesses to help reduce particulate pollution during the alert by:
- Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index uses color-coded categories to communicate health risks. Green indicates good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and red indicates unhealthy air quality for everyone. Air Quality Action Days are issued when the Air Quality Index is forecast to reach Code Orange or higher.
