UPDATED: Sept. 12, 2024 | 3 p.m.

Airport Fire Modified Inclement Weather Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is Modified Inclement Weather Schedule? 

Students may participate in low impact outdoor activities or will have the option to remain indoors for recess and lunch. Athletic events will resume and be monitored using wet bulb regulations as required by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). 

Who lets the schools know when schools can shift to Modified Inclement Weather Schedule?  

While our Emergency Operations Center is active, principals are notified by the District’s Emergency Operations Center if their school is in a zone with acceptable AQI levels to shift to Modified Inclement Weather.  

What determines when schools can transition to Modified Inclement Weather schedule? 

School Principals are provided information based on AQI levels from the area near their school.  Our Emergency Operations Center is continuously monitoring these levels and sharing details regularly with Principals.  Additionally, site-specific conditions will be taken into consideration for final determination by the school administration on whether students will remain indoors or not. (ie: smoke & ash) 

What tools or resources are we utilizing to monitor air quality? 

South Coast Air Quality Mangement District (SCAQMD) is the primary government agency responsible for air quality monitoring and regulating in southern California. The District also receives critical information and data from our agency partners including: Riverside University Health Systems, Riverside County Emergency Operations,  Riverside County Office of Education, and California Department of Education.  

Why are we keeping schools open? 

We recognize that school districts within Riverside County and individual school sites have made significant investments to optimize ventilation, air purification and air filtration. It may be that these investments protect the air systems in ways that are comparable to or exceed the capabilities of the student’s home. Recognizing this investment, coupled with the social, psychological and nutritional support our schools provide daily, in many instances being in school can provide the best opportunities for disaster recovery and resilience. We also note that many families rely on schools as a source of support for their child that provides space for parents to work. Individual decisions impacting school sites and districts are dynamic, and the California Department of Education provides several resources that help guide decision-making around school closures and modification of outdoor activities due to poor air quality. 

What happens if our schools shift back to hazardous or higher AQI? 

Students will revert back to indoors until conditions improve.  

When we are on Modified Inclement Weather what happens with sports? 

Athletic events will resume and be monitored using wet bulb regulations as required by CIF.  

What happens if the Airport Fire starts heading toward our community? 

Wildfires can be unpredictable in nature. For that reason, we remain in close communication with local emergency services authorities to monitor the fire and air quality to make any necessary adjustments and prioritize the safety of our students and staff.  

Will homecoming games and outdoor events still be able to happen this weekend? 

This situation is still very fluid, as Air Quality Index (AQI) levels continuously change. If our schools remain with low AQI levels to operate on modified inclement weather protocols, athletics and events will resume and be monitored using wet bulb regulations and air quality guidance from CIF state. 

For the schools that were shut down, will those days have to be made up at the end of the school year? As the wildfire situation is a State of Emergency, days will NOT have to be made up at the end of the school year for the sites that were shut down.  

What if I am not comfortable with my student going to school in these conditions? If your student has sensitive health requirements and you feel the need to keep them home, we encourage you to do what you feel is best. Missed school for medical reasons will be marked as an excused absence.