With help from cooler weather, crews battling the deadliest wild fire in state history are containing the blaze in Northern California. But as the flames subside, the smoldering is creating smoke and haze that has created poor air quality, prompting area schools to close.
Community colleges as well as K-12 systems and university campuses in the Sacramento and San Francisco areas have announced closures as a result of the poor air quality. Among the two-year colleges closed through the weekend are the College of San Mateo, Skyline College, Sierra College, Chabot College, Las Positas College and the Los Rios Community College District, which includes Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, American River College and Cosumnes River College.
Many of the colleges, as well as the state community college system and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, have started funds to help those affected by the wild fires.
Butte College will remain closed until November 26. The college, which has served as a staging area for emergency staff, noted on its website that it will provide counselors, financial aid staff, a food pantry and other resources for students and staff.
“We know our students, faculty, and staff have been severely impacted by the Camp Fire, many have been displaced, and others are supporting loved ones who were impacted,” the college said. “Together, we will unite as a community to share information, identify resources, and support those who experienced losses.”
As fire crews battled the fires, the city of Hayward and the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District this week announced a partnership to jointly develop a new $60-million regional center for firefighter, paramedic, rescue, and emergency response education and training.
Progress in Southern California, too
Fire crews have also made progress in containing fires in Southern California. Santa Monica College’s Malibu programs remain closed, but Los Angeles Pierce College has reopened, though it is still serving as a local shelter and helping residents. Interim President Lawrence Buckley provided an update on the college’s website, noting that students and staff have stepped up to move water bottles, gather basic toiletries for residents, and even take care of animals, such as horses, brought to its animal shelter.
“Classes resumed today with many tired faculty, staff, and administrators reaching deeper for the stamina to get through this week in service of our 11,000 regular students,” Buckley wrote. “There has been little time to share what has been happening here at Los Angeles Pierce College these past few days, but I’m taking some bit of time now to share how proud I am of all who have come together here… proving that Pierce College is not simply a college in its community; rather, it is the community’s college.”
