SPOKANE, Wash. — High school football and soccer games went ahead as planned despite wildfire smoke across the Inland Northwest as school districts watched air quality levels throughout the day.
Spokane Public Schools said it would cancel games if the Air Quality Index went over 100. The district said air quality was improving, so games would kick off as usual. Other districts only cancel games when the AQI hits 150 or higher.
Different policies between districts can cause problems when schools play each other.
“If it’s a game or a contest, we have to work closely with that school to see whether they will let those kids come play or not,” said Paul Manfred, athletic director at Gonzaga Prep. “Just because it’s at our site doesn’t mean that our opponents will be able to come and play.”
Gonzaga Prep cancels games only when air quality goes above 150.
The Spokane Regional Health District advises school districts across the county on air quality safety.
“When you get to over 101, between 101 and 150, we recommend to limit strenuous activity to about one hour if you can,” said Dr. Francisco Velazquez, health officer for the Spokane Regional Health District.
Schools watch students with lung conditions more closely when there’s smoke outside. Health officials also worry about elderly people in the stands who might have breathing problems.
“Those that have pre-existing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac disease and diabetes. Diabetes because there’s a high correlation with other diseases like cardiovascular disease,” Velazquez said.
Central Valley School District will send messages to families of students who might be sensitive to smoke, especially kids with asthma. Both Central Valley and Coeur d’Alene Public Schools don’t expect to cancel any games.
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