ERJ 170 Captain reported a parking brake not released caution message after leveling at cruise; indicating a possible tire failure. The Captain diverted the aircraft and landed safely without a tire failure; and taxied to the gate.

Narrative

Shortly after reaching cruise enroute to ZZZ; we received the caution message; Parking Brake not Released and the ON indication for the Parking/Emergency Brake. We ran the QRH and the message did not go away. QRH directed us to an Emergency Landing expecting tire burst. We coordinated with dispatch to divert to ZZZ1 and burn fuel prior to landing. I notified the Flight Attendants (FAs) of the situation and due to the amount of time we were going to burn fuel did not have them start preparing the cabin at that point. Cabin announcement was made to advise the passengers that would be landing in ZZZ1 after circling to burn fuel and reduce aircraft weight. We entered a hold at ZZZZZ; at 14000. We put the gear down in the hold to expedite the burn process. Expecting an 800 pound burn from ZZZZZ to ZZZ1; we planned to depart the hold at 3200 pounds; to land as close to MIN fuel as possible. At approximately 30 minutes prior to leaving the hold; a PA was made explaining the situation to the passengers and the time we had remaining. At that time the FAs were instructed to prepare the cabin and expect the Brace command. We departed the hold at about 3300 pounds for ZZZ1. Another PA was made to the Passengers providing them with some expectations; like the emergency equipment and that we would be stopping on the runway. We communicated with ATC that we were expecting tire burst and may not be able to clear the runway under our own power. Once on with Tower; we asked if they could advise if we started generating tire smoke on roll out. The Brace command was given at 600 feet AGL. The landing was normal. Brakes were not locked; Tower advised no smoke. We stopped on the runway and checked brake temps on the Multi-function Flight Display (MFD) as well as with the Fire Chief that was on frequency. A PA was made advising passengers to remain seated while the Fire Chief performs an inspection. Temperatures were all very low and the Brakes had functioned normally; so we elected to taxi to the gate. The Parking Brake not Released message cleared during the landing roll and we received an advisory Emergency Brake Fault message during taxi.