CCSD cancels all non-essential outdoor activities due to wildfire smoke

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — The Clark County School District canceled all non-essential outdoor activities after an air quality alert was issued Wednesday morning.

The alert issued just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 stems from wildfire smoke coming from multiple large fires in Southern California.

“Wildfire smoke is made of small particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma or heart disease,” the release said. “Under today’s conditions, it may be best for children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart disease to stay indoors.”

As of Wednesday morning, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, California, southwest of Las Vegas, has burned 34,659 acres. The Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in California, also southwest of Las Vegas, has charred 4,177 acres. Finally, the Airport Fire in California’s Orange and Riverside counties has burned 22,376 acres.

8 News Now forecaster Mary Jane Belleza said the blanket of smoke, which thickened overnight, is expected to stay in the Las Vegas valley for some time.

At 11:15 a.m., the air quality in Las Vegas was listed as “very unhealthy.”

In response to the alert, CCSD announced it would be cancelling all “non-essential” outdoor activities for the day. Non-essential outdoor activities include outside lunch, gym classes, and recess. Those activities will be held indoors for the day.

CCSD also wrote in a statement that masks may be provided if they are available but will no be required to be worn.

The full statement from CCSD can be read below:

“All non-essential outdoor activities are canceled for today. Principals shall ensure all non-essential outdoor activities, including lunch, physical education classes, and recess, are moved indoors. Masks may be provided if available but are not required to be worn. All outdoor conference athletics and activities are canceled for today and will be rescheduled. All attempts will be made to reschedule other canceled outdoor events.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.