Maryland under Code Red air quality alert due to Canada wildfire smoke

Christopher Scarglato, The Baltimore Sun on Jul 17, 2026

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BALTIMORE — Maryland is under a Code Red air quality alert Friday due to Canada and northern United States wildfire smoke drifting south, Gov. Wes Moore announced in a statement.

Western Maryland, in particular, is under Code Purple, which means very unhealthy air quality, officials said. Residents should take extra precautions while the state monitors conditions with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health, Moore said.

“At-risk populations should stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe. Please make sure to check in on your family, neighbors and loved ones,” the governor said.

MDH advised Marylanders to limit time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity and keep windows closed. The agency added wearing masks, such as N95s and KN95s will reduce inhaling smoke particles — but can also make it harder to breathe.

Those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions, along with young children, older adults and pregnant women, are at higher risk, officials said.

MDE said unhealthy air could continue through much of Saturday and that temperatures also are expected to reach the 90s in much of the state.

Officials compared this year’s wildfire smoke event to 2023, where Maryland was also covered in a thick shroud of smoke.