Smoke from Camp Fire forces closure of most North Bay schools, sports canceled

The majority of schools in Sonoma County remain closed on Tuesday because of poor air quality blowing in from the Camp Fire to the north.
 
Much of the North Bay remained in the red zone for unhealthy air quality and schools say this say this causes a serious concern about the well-being of students, staff, and families. Districts not only canceled classes but all after-school programs and athletics.
 
Specifically, 80 percent of the schools in Sonoma County are closed because they don't meet the EPA standard for air particles per 100. 


In all, 18 Sonoma County public school districts and 11 charter school programs are closed in multiple cities including: Geyserville, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastapol and Sonoma.

And for a second time, all but one of 19 North Coast scheduled football playoff games are postponed until Saturday.

School athletic leaders say it all comes down to making sure the smoky air does not create a health threat to the young athletes.

"Safetywise will be our No. 1 concern it always will be,” said Duane Morgan, CCF commissioner. “We want to get our games in of course but not at the expense of our student athletes.”

Santa Rosa Junior College also closed all campuses again on Tuesday. All classes and activities are canceled including the board of trustees meeting scheduled for Tuesday night.

In Contra Costa County, Pittsburg schools are in session on Monday, but all students will be kept inside.
Recess, lunch, and PE classes will be held indoors. Pittsburg schools will have all windows and doors shut and have the air conditioning on recycle.