HARRISBURG — The state Department of Environmental Protection has declared a “Code Orange Air Quality Action Day” for all of Pennsylvania on Friday for particulate matter from the smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The average Air Quality Index readings for the entire day will likely be in the Code Orange range; however, local conditions could be in Code Red. Highest concentrations will likely be in the early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for their local conditions.

On a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day, children, sensitive populations such as older people, those who exercise or work outdoors and those with lung or respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis should reduce or eliminate their outdoor activities.

Smoke due to wildfires in eastern Canada will likely contribute to daily average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the Code Orange range. Additionally, the Philadelphia Area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties) could potentially see ozone concentrations reach Code Orange levels due to ozone precursor chemicals carried by the wildfire smoke.