News & Community

Baltimoreans Have a Lot to Say About Today’s Code Red Air Quality

As Canadian wildfires continue to cause smoke and haze to move through the Mid-Atlantic, experts advise staying inside and masking up while outdoors.

You might have noticed a campfire-like smell when stepping out to start your day this morning. But it’s not lingering from a neighbor’s backyard barbecue or even from a nearby blaze.

As you’ve likely heard, wildfires originating hundreds of miles away in central Canada—coupled with an unfortunate storm system—have caused smoke and haze to migrate in a southeast directional pattern and fill skies across the Mid-Atlantic.

What does this mean for Baltimore? Our air quality is currently estimated between 180 and 190, an unhealthy index—especially for youth and seniors. The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for the Baltimore, Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Southern Maryland regions, urging residents to stay inside as much as possible through Thursday. If you need to go outside, especially if you’re doing strenuous activity, experts suggest wearing an N95 or KN95 mask with built-in filters.

Unsurprisingly, Baltimoreans have been sounding off on Twitter about what this means for our daily routines, as well as the larger environmental impact. Here’s what some had to say: