Despite reports that poor air quality conditions across the state would let up slightly on Friday, June 30, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for the third consecutive day.

On Thursday evening, the DEP initially declared a Code Orange Action Day for Friday, but upgraded the forecast to Code Red by noon Friday. However, conditions “will continue to improve throughout the day,” according to a release from the DEP.

As of 1 p.m. Friday, according to airnow.gov, concentrations of fine particulate matter in Butler County’s atmosphere — otherwise known as PM 2.5 — are at level 164, high enough to be classified as “unhealthy.” Saturday is expected to bring some relief locally, with levels of PM2.5 only expected to reach 58.

Under a Code Red Air Quality Action Day, sensitive groups of individuals are encouraged to avoid all outdoor activity if possible. These include young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Despite the conditions, the Big Butler Fair opened Friday and has no plans to postpone any of its events.