UC Merced and Merced College cancel classes due to air quality

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Smoke from the wildfires has affected classes at UC Merced and Merced College.

Merced College and UC Merced are canceling all classes and closing all facilities and operations through Thanksgiving break.

A local doctor says people with lung and heart issues, the elderly, and young children should try to avoid breathing in the smoky air.

He adds that when the air quality is this poor, they often see more people heading to the hospital.

"We see more asthma than any other areas, so when air quality is poor , we see more pf the flare ups. It increases the number of visitors and an increase for medications," said Dr. Sunit Patel, lung and sleep specialist.

Fresno State's twitter page says the university will continue to monitor air-quality levels.

Campus is expected to remain open today through Wednesday this week.