Air quality alert in place through...

For the second day in a row, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a Code Orange air quality alert in most of Central Pennsylvania on Wednesday for particulate matter from Canadian wildfire smoke.The alert applies to Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union and most surrounding counties. The alert is in place until early Thursday morning, NWS officials report.Light southeasterly winds will allow limited pollutant dispersion. Sensitive groups of the population, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, should avoid heavy outdoor activity during this time. Residents are encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for current conditions in their area.On a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities.Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Action Day areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by: Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment; avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash and other materials; and reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use.