Smoke from Loyalton Fire leads to postponement of Washoe County school start

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. - Students in the Washoe County School District will not be going back to school as planned on Monday, August 17. COVID-19 didn't delay the start but heavy smoke and unhealthy air from the Loyalton Fire did.

The fire had consumed over 28,000 acres as of Sunday, prompting officials to delay the start at all schools in the district except for those in Lake Tahoe. Both Incline Elementary and High Schools had a scheduled start of school for August 31.

Here is the message emailed to families and employees of the WCSD:

Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill send a message to families and staff Sunday:

As a result of the Loyalton fire and the deteriorating air quality, we have made the decision that we cannot safely reopen our school district for our students and staff. Also, as emergency services continue to focus their efforts on battling the fire, it means that their support of the school district in the event of an emergency is compromised.

To repeat, students will not return to school tomorrow and staff will have an non-contact professional development day.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout tomorrow, but look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Tuesday, August 18.