Air quality alert issued for Western Pennsylvania because of Canadian wildfire smoke

PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued another Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Western Pennsylvania because of wildfire smoke.

The alert is in effect on Sunday for Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties.

The DEP says wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is pushing ozone pollution levels into the Code Orange range.

The Code Orange will remain in place through Monday for most counties, since a temperature inversion will keep smoke near the surface level.

Sensitive groups, like children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions, are encouraged to avoid heavy outdoor activity.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Alert areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by: