BALTIMORE, MD—As smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to pass through the state, the Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for Thursday in the Baltimore area.

A Code Red Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthy for the general population.

Officials say a concentrated plume of smoke is expected to reach the eastern half of Maryland on Wednesday night, raising fine particle concentrations notably.

The highest concentrations on Thursday are expected along and north of I-95, though widespread unhealthy air is expected in much of the state. Some reprieve in concentrations is expected during the afternoon on Thursday.

Residents should consider limiting time spent outdoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults and people with respiratory problems should avoid outdoor exertion altogether.