Petition started to temporarily close Cal State San Bernardino amid ongoing Line Fire

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article didn’t state that schools within Bernardino City Unified School District had already been closed for the remainder of the week

Students at California State University, San Bernardino, have started a petition calling on the university to temporarily close due to its proximity to the Line Fire.

“It’s distressing that amidst these severe conditions, the campus remains open, forcing students and faculty members to risk their health. We should not have to choose between our health and our education. Safe and quality education should not involve risking your well-being,” the petition said.

So far, the petition has over 3,330 signatures, with a goal of reaching 5,000.

In a statement to KTLA, university officials expressed that they are working closely with local emergency services to “ensure the well-being of the campus community” and that operational modifications have been in place due to the wildfire’s proximity.

“Building air handling systems have been modified to limit outdoor air to reduce the circulation of smoke and ash inside campus buildings and outdoor activity classes, athletic practices, and other planned outdoor activities have been and will be moved indoors or rescheduled. Students are asked to check with faculty or event organizers for additional information,” a university spokesperson said in an emailed statement to KTLA.

In-person instruction and business operations are continuing as usual.

Similarly, another petition was started to temporarily close schools within the San Bernardino City Unified School District. That petition has over 6,600 signatures with a goal of 7,500. A message on the district’s website states that schools will be closed for the remainder of the week as of Tuesday.

The Line Fire started last Thursday in Highland. As of Wednesday morning, it had grown to 34,729 acres and was 14% contained.

Officials believe one structure may have been lost and more than 65,000 structures remain threatened. A 34-year-old man has been arrested for arson for allegedly starting the fire.

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