Long Beach schools remain open amidst poor air quality levels fueled by wildfires

Long Beach schools will remain open as the city's air quality levels continue to worsen amidst the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Long Beach Unified School District officials said in a post on X that they were working with the city's health department to make sure they followed the recommended procedures, such as limiting outdoor activities, especially for individuals most vulnerable to poor air quality.

"Should conditions change, we will provide updates to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff," LBUSD officials said on X.

City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis warned residents this week that they should consider staying indoors as poor air quality as a result of the wildfire smoke can cause a variety of health effects, including respiratory and heart issues.

According to the Air Quality Management District, Long Beach's air quality currently ranges from moderate to unhealthy. The air quality is calculated based on how inhalable particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10, is in the air.

These pollutants pose significant health risks and are associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, respiratory symptoms and more, according to health officials.

While residents remain safe from the fire themselves, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of Los Angeles County, including Lakewood, Signal Hill and many parts of Long Beach, until Friday. A Red Flag Warning is issued when "the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger,” according to the National Weather Service.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, meanwhile, announced Wednesday that it would close all schools today with the possibility of moving toward online learning on Friday.

"As the Los Angeles region continues responding to this unprecedented crisis, the health and safety of our students and employees are of the utmost importance," LAUSD officials said. "The confluence of factors – wind, fire, and smoke – have created dangerous, complex situations that present unsafe conditions for our school communities."