More school districts close Thursday due to poor air quality

By Bay City News Service

The Mt. Diablo, Antioch and Martinez unified school districts are joining others from Contra Costa County in closing Thursday because of poor air quality resulting from the North Bay wildfires.

Antioch school officials wrote on their district's website that the "extreme poor air quality" in the area prompted the school closures.

"Many of our students walk or ride their bike to and from school and will be exposed to the poor air quality even if we were to remain open and shelter in place like we did today" district officials said.

The district asked parents to make plans in case schools have to be closed on Friday as well.

Mt. Diablo and Martinez school officials said they made similar decisions out of safety concerns for students and staff.

West Contra Costa Unified School District officials earlier today also said they will close schools on Thursday because of the poor air quality from the wildfires.