Air quality alerts still in place as smoke hangs over Philadelphia region | Live updates

Air quality conditions continued to improve across the Philadelphia region Friday as wildfire smoke began to move out of the area.

The city downgraded its air quality alert from Code Purple to Code Red on Friday afternoon.

Philadelphia trash collection to resume as air quality improves

"This is a changeable situation, depending on the wind pattern and other things," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said.

Meteorologists said a warm front lifting north will continue to improve air quality across the region, carrying much of the wildfire smoke into New England.

Southeastern Pennsylvania will be under a Code Orange air quality alert on Saturday.

In response to the poor air quality, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation moved some planned events indoors Friday, including the Philadelphia 250 school block party at the Duckrey School.

Outdoor pools and spray grounds that were closed Friday are expected to reopen Saturday. Recycling collection, which was suspended because of the air quality, is also scheduled to resume.

"We do plan on working all day Saturday and Sunday to make sure last week's trash and recycling is collected," said Carlton Williams, director of the city's Office of Clean and Green Initiatives.

Meanwhile, large outdoor events remain on schedule despite the lingering smoke concerns.

Chopper 6 was over Lincoln Financial Field, where comedian Shane Gillis is still scheduled to perform Friday night.

Thousands of people are also expected to attend the FIFA Fan Festival concert at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park featuring Bebe Rexha.

Health officials continue to encourage residents to take precautions if spending extended periods outdoors.

"If we are back in Code Purple, 90 minutes is the maximum time you should be spending outdoors," Raval-Nelson said. "That's not a bad metric for Code Red either."

As the air quality continues to improve, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Saturday in southeastern Pennsylvania.

During Code Orange Air Quality Alerts, residents should avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid all outdoor activities. All residents are encouraged to move activities indoors.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Alert areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by:

• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment

• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials

A code red air quality alert hung over the Jersey Shore on Thursday, shrouding views and leaving some visitors feeling the effects, even as conditions gradually improved throughout the day.

From the beach in Sea Isle City, the normally visible Atlantic City skyline disappeared behind the haze. Some beachgoers said they noticed the air quality as soon as they stepped outside.

"We went outside this morning and had breakfast at Sunset Pier, and I feel like halfway through our pancakes I'm like, I can start to feel it in my throat," said Erin Sakelaridos of Lehigh Valley.

Despite smoky skies, Jersey Shore visitors make the most of their beach days

Despite the smoky shoreline, many visitors said they weren't willing to give up their limited summer beach days.

"It didn't stop us from coming down; we'd rather be here than not," said Bryan Dienna of Langhorne.

"We've been here every single day and loving every minute," said Kate Artingstall of Lewes.

While the air quality problems at the shore haven't been as severe as in Philadelphia, the conditions have been noticeable.

"We did get to see a sunset on Tuesday, and then the past couple of days it's been gradually getting hazier and hazier," she said.

Even younger visitors were aware of the cause.

"It looks like a little hazy, but I don't smell the fire," said 6-year-old Cameron Fantini of Levittown. When asked if he knew where the haze came from, he replied, "It's from the fire in Canada!"

For the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, Chief Renny Steele said it was business as usual, though some athletes noticed the difference during their training.

"Some of our athletes this morning, especially our runners training doing like a 10-mile run or whatever, they said they did notice the air quality wasn't what it normally is along the coast here. They're not concerned, but they did notice a difference," he said.

Others opted to stay indoors, heading to arcades and movie theaters instead of the sand.

Ryan Kiska, who owns the Boardwalk Casino arcade on the Sea Isle promenade, said some customers arrived from Philadelphia seeking clearer air.

"I've had some customers coming in from the Philly area just because they're seeking refuge from apparently the smoke is pretty thick there," he said.

Sakelaridos said her group has been adjusting their plans.

"So it's been a little bit disappointing that we had like three less beach days than we were hoping to, but we're trying to make the best of it by doing some indoor things like going to the arcade. We went to see Moana yesterday," she said.

As haze continues to drift along the coast, visitors and businesses are finding ways to adapt, determined to make the most of their time at the shore.