Baltimore under Code Purple air quality alert; residents urged to stay indoors

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore City is under a Code Purple – Very Unhealthy air quality alert on Friday as smoke from wildfires in Canada and the northern United States continues to blanket the region.

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The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the Code Purple alert for Metro Baltimore, prompting city officials to urge residents to stay indoors as much as possible and limit outdoor activities.

“Poor air quality poses a real threat to your health, so please, take this seriously,” Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. “Stay inside, follow the Health Department’s guidance, and make sure your friends and loved ones do the same. Stay safe, Baltimore.”

Health officials said children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other respiratory conditions are at the greatest risk. People who work or exercise outdoors are also more vulnerable.

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Officials recommend:

• Limiting time outdoors and postponing outdoor activities.
• Wearing a KN95 mask if spending time outside is necessary.
• Keeping windows and doors closed.
• Setting air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air.

“There are significant health risks associated with poor air quality, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, and stroke,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor said. “We ask all residents to take steps to protect your health, and the health of others.”

Baltimore City announced several operational changes because of the hazardous air quality.

Outdoor city operations were halted beginning at noon Friday. Employees were assigned indoor work when possible, while essential outdoor workers were provided face masks and frequent breaks.

As a result, trash and recycling collection was suspended for the remainder of Friday.

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The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services also activated emergency protocols, including opening drop-in centers for those in need.

Meanwhile, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks canceled all scheduled outdoor activities and events for Friday, including permitted events and outdoor programming. Outdoor public pools were also closed.

Indoor programs, including summer camps and Late Night Hype, continued as scheduled.

For more information and updates on the air quality please visit AirNow.gov.