How the Windstorm and Devastating L.A. Fires are Impacting Orange County Schools
Air quality concerns have led some schools in Orange County to limit students' outdoor activity.
Several fires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County since Tuesday, killed five people, destroyed or damaged thousands of structures, including schools, and forced thousands of people to evacuate, remain a threat. The flames have been fueled by dangerously dry and extremely windy weather conditions. While gusts are less powerful than earlier in the week, the forecast across Southern California continues to pose a risk in the coming days.
A Red Flag warning remains in effect for the area until Friday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The NWS alert also cautions that there “is the potential for a moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event Monday into Tuesday.” Unfortunately, there is no rain in the forecast.
In Orange County, some schools have dealt with issues related to the high winds and impact on local air quality from the fires. The Santa Ana Unified School District reported some of its campuses experienced limited power on Wednesday but said crews were working with Southern California Edison to resolve these issues. The Brea-Olinda Unified School District activated its “inclement weather procedures” at its campuses on Wednesday, due to concerns about flying debris and air quality. “During inclement weather, schools will avoid all outdoor activities, including P.E., recess and outdoor lunch activities,” read an Instagram post from the district. The Garden Grove Unified School District said it had plans in place to respond to extreme weather conditions and said it would keep students indoors “where needed.”
Other schools responded to the worsening air quality caused by the fires north of the county by limiting outdoor activities. The smoke and ash in the air can contain harmful particles. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a windblown dust advisory that covers most of Orange County until 6 p.m. Thursday.
In a message sent Thursday to families, the Los Alamitos Unified School District said it remained “committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families as we navigate the challenges posed by wildfire-related air quality.”
The district said it is utilizing the AirNow app to gauge air quality at its nine campuses which are in Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, and Rossmoor, in the northwestern region of O.C. that borders L.A. County. The AirNow app is one of several tools recommended by the California Department of Education in its guidelines on how to safeguard schools impacted by smoke from wildfires.
As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, the AirNow app showed most of Orange County with "good" to "moderate" air quality levels, with some areas in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups," including Seal Beach and Buena Park which had Air Quality Index (AQI) readings between 103 and 112.
The areas with lowest AQI readings were in the southern part of the county, such as in San Clemente which had an AQI of 34. By comparison, in Pasadena, where the Eaton Fire is burning, the AirNow app showed an AQI of 157 which is deemed "unhealthy."
Student-athletes in Orange County might have seen their games or practices affected this week. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section has specific guidelines when it comes to outdoor activities and air quality.
“If the AQI reading in your area is greater than 151, you must cancel all activity. If the reading is between 100 and 150, you should consider possible adjustments to your practice plans as well,” reads a July 26, 2024 press release from the CIF-SS outlining guidelines. Recommendations include moving activities indoors.
The Orange County Department of Education Newsroom issued this story with tips on how to stay safe during periods of weather with high risk of fire. It includes securing outdoor furniture, avoiding activities that could spark a fire, such as using outdoor power tools, and making a fire preparedness plan, which includes packing a Go Bag, in case you need to leave the area in a hurry.
Orange County Superintendent Stefan Bean, Ed.D., issued a statement on Wednesday to show “solidarity with our educational colleagues in Los Angeles County who are facing significant challenges as they work to support students, families and staff. Their resilience and commitment to their communities inspire us all.”
In the statement, Dr. Bean offered support to our neighbors and said O.C. "stands ready to assist and provide resources to help minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of education and services for those affected.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District has closed all of its schools and offices through at least tomorrow, according to its website. It's not clear when campuses will reopen. “The confluence of factors – wind, fire, and smoke – have created unpredictable, complex situations that present potentially unsafe conditions for our school communities,” the LAUSD website read.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which has campuses impacted by the fire in Pacific Palisades, also closed campuses for the week, as did the Pasadena Unified School District.
“Our hearts are broken for everything that our beloved community is enduring. But we know that our community is strong, and together, we will get through this,” reads a message posted on the PUSD district’s website.
Looking for ways to help?
- The Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation has set up an Emergency Relief Fund for wildfire victims. Find out more information here.
- The California Department of Education partnered with SupplyBank.org to provide assistance to students, educators, and school staff affected by the wildfire disasters.