June 7, 2023 – The Lehigh Valley is experiencing poor air quality due to the wildfire activity in Canada which is producing intense smoke. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code Red Warning for the Lehigh Valley, meaning the air quality is unhealthy for everyone. 

As a result, the City of Allentown and the Allentown Health Bureau urge residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and, if possible, limit all outdoor activity and stay indoors at this time.

Please see below for a list of all cancelled/rescheduled City activities:

• Allentown City Hall, Health Bureau, and City offices are closed for the rest of the day.
• The City Council meetings this evening have all been re-scheduled for Tuesday, June 13.
• All organized recreational activities including basketball, swim lessons, and lifeguard training have been cancelled.
• All city pools and spray parks have been closed.
• All tee times at the Golf Course have been cancelled for the rest of the day.
• All paving has been stopped for the day.
• Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled tonight.
• The City’s Yard Waste Site is closing early today and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 10.

All non-essential City staff have been sent home for the remainder of the day today. Public safety employees including Police, Fire, and EMS will continue to respond to any emergencies.

Lehigh County EMA and 911 are urging residents to be discerning when calling to report smoke conditions to prevent overload on the 911 system. If residents visually observe a fire or emergency, they are urged to call 911 immediately.

The City will continue to monitor reports and determine an appropriate course of action as we navigate this air quality issue over the next few days.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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