California Wildfire Leaves Schools Covered in Ash

The recent Saddleridge Fire in the San Fernando Valley of California, which burned about 12 square miles of land and damaged dozens of buildings in its path, prompted the closure of nearby schools last week. But when the schools reopened Monday, teachers and students returning to at least two schools found ash covering the surfaces and floors of their classrooms, KTLA News reports.

Teachers said the smell from the ash was overpowering and many had to move their lessons outdoors. Faculty and students were complaining of watery eyes and scratchy throats. At least one teacher handed out face masks to her students to prevent them from breathing in the ash.

School officials called in cleaning crews to wipe down surfaces and clean hard floors and carpeting. In the meantime, many parents retrieved their children and several teachers went home sick. School officials are not sure why the schools were reopened on Monday without giving them enough time to be cleaned.

School district officials said they are ensuring students’ safety by limiting outdoor activity, running air conditioners to filter out residual smoke, and bringing cleaning crews back to the schools.

CMM offers tips to help custodians work with restoration experts to make buildings safe for residents again following a fire or other natural disasters.