🚨🟣 CODE PURPLE AIR QUALITY ALERT 🟣🚨

 
By Fire Chief Frank Dowlin
July 17, 2026
 

🚨🟣 CODE PURPLE AIR QUALITY ALERT 🟣🚨

A Code Purple Air Quality Alert goes into effect tonight and remains in effect through Friday for Chester County and much of Pennsylvania due to heavy wildfire smoke moving into the region.

This is the highest level of air quality alert and means the air is considered hazardous for everyone. While those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women are at the greatest risk, even healthy individuals can experience symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and eye irritation.

⚠️ First Responders: Firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, towing personnel, road crews, and other emergency responders should take extra precautions. Smoke exposure can quickly add up during long incidents. Wear appropriate respiratory protection whenever possible, stay hydrated, monitor yourself and your crew for symptoms, and rotate personnel when practical.

⚠️ Outdoor Workers: Construction crews, landscapers, farmers, utility workers, delivery drivers, and anyone working outside should reduce prolonged outdoor activity when possible, take frequent breaks in cleaner air, stay hydrated, and consider wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask.

Please take a moment to review the safety tips in the graphic and share this post to help keep our community informed.

Stay weather aware, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe. 💜