The schools in El Dorado County closed down for two days due to pollutants created from a fire that has raged for nearly two weeks.
The Pollock Pines King fire, which as of Tuesday September 23, has consumed nearly 90,000 acres in El Dorado County and is presently about 35 percent contained, has been severely affecting the local air quality since its ignition on September 13.
But along with the fire damage, the air quality has suffered as well. Grass Valley School District Superintendent Eric Frederickson informed parents earlier this week that the schools in the district will have to close down due to the fire’s impact on the air, citing a lack of adequate resources to keep the air appropriately circulated. The county’s public health department’s classification of the air as presently being “unhealthy” spurred the decision.
Nevada County Public Health Coordinator Patti Carter responded to the decision, telling The Union News that the department is “not setting parameters for the schools to be open or not, but the recommendation is that the best place that you can be is in an air-conditioned building with recirculating air … some of the schools have that and some of the schools don’t.”
Fortunately, the moratorium on class only lasted for 48 hours with the schools opening back up on Wednesday. Carter has said that the county has been in direct contact with all of the county superintendents in the interest of providing support and recommendations. Nevertheless, even with the schools open, the effect of the fire can still be felt. Nevada Union High School has eliminated many outdoor activities, including the scheduling of team sports games. All physical education classes are kept indoors as well.
Being aware of local air breathability is vital to enjoying a healthy life. If the outdoor air is hazardous, the indoor air quality can at least be improved through an air conditioner or home air purifier. That’s why US Air Purifiers Direct 2U takes great care in meeting the needs of our customers. If you’re looking to acquire an affordable air purifier for the office or home, contact us today!