...AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR THURSDAY JUNE 8...

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has
issued a code orange air quality alert Thursday for The Lehigh
Valley/Berks County area.

A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children...people
suffering from asthma... heart disease or other lung
diseases...and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can
be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine
particles...visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us

...ELEVATED RISK FOR FIRE SPREAD TODAY...

A combination of low relative humidity, breezy west to northwest
winds, and dry fine fuels will lead to an elevated risk for fire
spread with any potential fire ignitions today.

Minimum relative humidity values this afternoon will range from
20-25% across the area. West to northwest winds will increase to
around 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph possible. Fuel moistures
are very low, with much of the region having not experienced a
widespread wetting rainfall in over 5 weeks.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential
ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be
sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses,
dead leaves, and other tree litter that ignite will have the
potential to spread fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions,
and wildfire prevention and eduction, please visit your state's
forestry or environmental protection website.