Smoke from Canadian wildfire prompts Code Orange air quality alert in Philadelphia region

Thick plumes of heavy smoke fill the Halifax sky as an out-of-control fire in a suburban community quickly spread, engulfing multiple homes and forcing the evacuation of local residents, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 28, 2023.
Thick plumes of heavy smoke fill the Halifax sky as an out-of-control fire in a suburban community quickly spread, engulfing multiple homes and forcing the evacuation of local residents, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 28, 2023. Photo credit Kelly Clark/The Canadian Press via AP

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Code Orange air quality alert has been declared for Philadelphia and neighboring counties on Wednesday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said wind will bring in smoke from a large wildfire that is ongoing in Nova Scotia, Canada.

It is expected to contribute to more concentrations of fine particulate matter.

A Code Orange means there is an unhealthy pollution level in the atmosphere for sensitive groups.

DEP officials said young kids, older adults and those with respiratory problems should limit outdoor activity.

The wildfire, which started in the Halifax area on Sunday, has damaged about 200 houses and other structures and prompted the evacuation of 16,000 people.

The area that is under mandatory evacuation orders covers about 38 square miles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Wildfire on Canada's Atlantic coast spurs evacuation of 16,000 people
Wildfire on Canada's Atlantic coast spurs evacuation of 16,000 people
Featured Image Photo Credit: Kelly Clark/The Canadian Press via AP