Canadian Wildfire Smoke Prompts Code Red Air Quality Alert for Harrison County

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Smoke from Canadian wildfires is creating hazy skies and unhealthy air conditions across Harrison County and much of northern and central West Virginia, according to state and federal officials.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Friday. The alert, distributed by the National Weather Service in Charleston, remains in effect through midnight Friday.

Officials said elevated levels of fine particulate matter from the wildfire smoke are expected to continue through Friday and Saturday. Hazy air is also expected across the entire state.

A Code Red designation means air pollution levels are considered unhealthy for the general population. Officials are advising residents to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise or activity while conditions remain elevated.

Children, older adults and people with asthma, heart disease or other lung conditions are encouraged to take additional precautions and limit their time outdoors.

More severe conditions are expected in the Northern Panhandle, where officials said a Code Purple Air Quality Alert would be in effect Friday.

Current air quality information is available through AirNow.gov.