The worst fire season on record in Canada, according to news reports, is causing a decline in air quality throughout large parts of the United States, including Western New York.
As a result, Batavia City Schools are canceling all outdoor activities for the rest of the day, on the advice of the County Health Department, Superintendent Jason Smith announced.
"There are no concerns with indoor air quality at this time," Smith said.
The cancellation includes the annual color run at John Kennedy Intermediate School.
In Canada, more than 6.7 million acres have already burned in 2023.
In Quebec, around 14,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. More than 150 fires are still burning in the province, according to CBC News. In Nova Scotia, officials said Sunday one wildfire covers nearly 100 square miles, was still burning out of control, The Associated Press reported.
UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: The Batavia Girls Flag Football sectional semifinal game scheduled for tonight has been postponed until 7 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, at 7 p.m., at Van Detta Stadium. Tickets already purchased for the game can be used tomorrow.
UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: We asked other school superintendents for updates on their districts' plans. Here is what we currently know:
- Oakfield-Alabama: Nothing scheduled, no cancelations plans currently.
- Pavilion: No after-school activities scheduled, so nothing has been canceled, and Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman notes: "We have shared information with our faculty about current air quality conditions and appropriate precautions. ...We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary precautions."
- Byron-Bergen: The following statement was issued to parents: "Due to outdoor air quality advisories, Byron-Bergen schools are limiting outdoor activities for the remainder of the day. This includes after-school outdoor activities and sports."
