Canadian wildfire smoke triggers Code Purple alert in Pittsburgh
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Smoke from Canadian and northern Minnesotan wildfires has covered Pennsylvania, leading to very unhealthy air quality.
Why it matters: The entire state is in a Code Purple air quality alert for today, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Projection (DEP).
- Allegheny County was in a Code Maroon alert yesterday.
- Code Maroon (the most severe) or Code Orange (less severe) is possible today depending on your location.
What it means: All residents should avoid long or intense outdoor activities during Code Purple alerts, per DEP.
- Sensitive groups like children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid all outdoor activities.
- People should avoid use of gas-powered lawn equipment and burning campfires.
Catch up quick: The smoke hit Butler County late yesterday morning and moved south into the city by early afternoon and then fully enveloped the region by the evening.
- It's forecasted to hover over the region all day today, and possibly start to move out of Southwest Pennsylvania by late tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
What we're seeing: Axios Pittsburgh captured images of Downtown and Braddock yesterday afternoon. The smoky smell was strong throughout the day.
