Pa. Air Quality Sinks to Code Red Status

Some regions declare Code Purple due to wildfire smoke blanketing the region

July 16, 2026

Pennsylvania declared a statewide Code Red for air quality today due to thick wildfire smoke—and some regions reached an even higher threshold for air pollution.

This afternoon, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared a Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.

The DEP said the smoke began entering the state’s northernmost counties Wednesday before pushing into southern counties overnight.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What it means:  Code Red signals the air has unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter. Code Purple is the next level up, indicating the air quality index has reached "very unhealthy" levels.
• Taking precaution:  People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should reduce their exposure and keep outdoor activities short. In Code Purple regions, they should avoid outdoor activities altogether.
  • Everyone should reduce exposure and choose less strenuous activities while a Code Red or Purple is in effect.
• Reducing pollutants:  Businesses and individuals can help reduce air pollutants by avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment; reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use; and avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials.
• Where to check:  Air quality will vary across Pennsylvania. Find updated information about the air quality in your area online.
• Worse conditions:  See the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution for the air quality code thresholds and what they mean for your health.

Additional information about the Code Red statewide declaration is available online.