Smoke from Canadian wildfires again is bringing dangerous levels of fine particulate matter to Pennsylvania, prompting the Department of Environmental Protection to declare Wednesday, June 28, a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Butler County.

Young children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should avoid outdoor activities during a Code Red alert.

All others should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, the DEP said.

The DEP encourages residents and businesses within the affected areas to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by refraining from burning leaves, trash and other materials and avoiding the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Other counties affected by the Code Red alert include: Erie, Warren, McKean, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Elk, Lawrence, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, Clearfield, Indiana, Cambria, Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene, Fayette and Somerset.