School districts on high alert, monitoring air quality amid wildfires

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the Garnet Fire continues to burn deep in the Sierra National Forest, air quality in the Central Valley is deteriorating.

"The potential for that smoke exists until the fire is out, and conditions lately are producing a lot more smoke, probably why it's more visible from satellite imagery," said Heather Heinks with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

A view from Highway 168 shows thick smoke spreading through the foothills and across the valley floor.

Sierra Unified School District has been following strict protocols since Monday.

"We have pulled kids indoors just about every day this week," said Superintendent Lori Grace. "Yesterday it was so bad, we were canceling everything - contests outside and all of that."

Grace checks the air quality index every morning and multiple times throughout the day. She said this week has been challenging.

"It was either orange, creeping into red at portions, or like Wednesday was in the yellow," she said.

Making quick adjustments is key, Grace added. "We just keep our students' safety and health at the forefront at all times."

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District works closely with school districts across the region.

"We guide them on the activities they should be taking and how strenuous or how long it could occur depending on the level of air quality outside," Heinks said.

Air quality is expected to worsen into Labor Day weekend, and families are advised to adjust their plans or limit time outdoors.

"If you've got outdoor activities over the weekend, pay attention to air quality, that smoke is hanging out," Heinks said.

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