Smoke from record DC fireworks show triggered ‘Code Red’ air-quality alert

Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area were placed under a “Code Red” air quality alert on Sunday after a record-breaking Independence Day fireworks display filled the skies over the nation’s capital.

District officials issued the alert early Sunday morning, just hours after the massive fireworks show concluded late Saturday night. According to AlertDC, a Code Red designation indicates that air quality reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with certain medical conditions. Officials advised those residents to limit time outdoors while the alert remained in effect.

The poor air quality extended beyond the district. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, portions of northern Virginia — including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Manassas, and Manassas Park — were also under Code Red conditions.

Fireworks explode during Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, Sunday, July 5, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The alert came after federal officials had anticipated degraded air quality from the unprecedented fireworks display. Internal National Park Service analyses previously warned the show could produce “very unhealthy” air conditions for several hours after it ended, with guidance recommending people limit outdoor exposure and, in some cases, wear N95 masks.

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Although COG had forecast Code Purple, or “very unhealthy,” air quality for Sunday, conditions ultimately reached the less severe Code Red level. Air quality across Washington, northern Virginia, and the surrounding suburbs had returned to the “moderate” range by Monday morning.

Saturday night’s National Mall celebration, organized by the Trump-backed Freedom 250 committee, was billed as the “World’s Largest Fireworks Display.” Organizers said the 40-minute show featured approximately 850,000 fireworks and began shortly before midnight after thunderstorms delayed activities.

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