The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Friday, July 17, 2026 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires for northern and central West Virginia. Elevated fine particulate matter levels due to the smoke will continue through Friday and Saturday and the entire state will experience hazy air. Be advised a code PURPLE air quality alert will be in effect for the northern West Virginia panhandle on Friday. A code RED air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the local region are unhealthy for the general population. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding outdoor exercise or strenuous activity. Sensitive groups should take additional precautions. These groups include children, the elderly, and people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases. For additional information, please visit the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection - Air Quality Division website at: https://www.airnow.gov
* AFFECTED AREAS: CABELL ... MASON ... JACKSON ... WOOD ... PLEASANTS ... TYLER ... PUTNAM ... KANAWHA ... ROANE ... WIRT ... CALHOUN ... RITCHIE ... DODDRIDGE ... CLAY ... BRAXTON ... GILMER ... LEWIS ... HARRISON ... TAYLOR ... UPSHUR ... BARBOUR ... NORTHWEST RANDOLPH ... SOUTHEAST RANDOLPH
