BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, July 17, 2026) - Today the Maryland Department of the Environment has called a Code Purple Air Quality. Mayor Brandon M. Scott urges residents to minimize time spent outdoors and take precautions to protect their health.
"Poor air quality poses a real threat to your health, so please, take this seriously," said Mayor Scott. "Stay inside, follow the Health Department's guidance, and make sure your friends and loved ones do the same. Stay safe, Baltimore."
The Maryland Department of the Environment has called a "Code Purple - Very Unhealthy" Air Quality Alert for Metro Baltimore. Ongoing poor air quality is a result of significant smoke from wildfires in the Northern United States and Canada. Air quality alerts are determined by the Maryland Department of the Environment based on measurements of ground-level pollutants and forecasts of pollution levels, including ozone and particulate matter.
Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are most at risk, as well as those who work or exercise outdoors. Everyone should limit time spent outdoors and reschedule outdoor activities for a clearer-air day. If you must be outside, it should be brief, and residents should consider wearing a KN95 mask. For those at home, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. If you have air conditioning, make sure it is set to recirculate.
"There are significant health risks associated with poor air quality, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, and stroke," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Michelle Taylor. "We ask all residents to take steps to protect your health, and the health of others."
To protect the health and safety of City employees, due to the current air quality conditions, outdoor City operations will be halted at 12 noon, today, July 17, 2026. Employees will be given alternative indoor assignments, if available. For essential employees who must continue to work outdoors, they will be provided face masks and given frequent breaks throughout the work shift.
These adjustments mean that trash and recycling pickup will be suspended for the remainder of the day.
The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) will activate emergency protocols, including opening drop-in centers.
All Baltimore City Recreation and Parks scheduled outdoor activities and events are canceled for Friday, July 17, including permitted events and outdoor programming. In addition, all outdoor public pools are closed today. All remaining indoor programming and events, including summer camp and Late Night Hype, will continue as scheduled.
All remaining indoor programming and events will continue as scheduled.