Penn State warns campus communities as wildfire smoke drives unhealthy air across Pennsylvania

Penn State urged students, faculty, staff and visitors to monitor local air-quality conditions and follow health guidance after wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota pushed readings into unhealthy ranges in parts of Pennsylvania. The university issued the guidance July 16, 2026.

The warning came as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a Code Orange PM2.5 air-quality alert for July 20 in 12 western counties: Lawrence, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene, Fayette and Somerset. The alert covered a scheduled period rather than establishing that all Pennsylvania air was unhealthy.

DEP advised sensitive groups to avoid heavy outdoor activity during the alert and encouraged people in affected areas to reduce activities that generate fine particles, including using gas-powered lawn equipment and conducting open burns. Smoke exposure can pose heightened risks for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions.

Penn State’s guidance applies to its campus communities, including students, employees and visitors. The next scheduled step identified by the state was the July 20 Code Orange alert, while the university told people to continue monitoring local conditions and follow health recommendations.