Bad air forces schools inside

MOSES LAKE — Schools in Moses Lake moved outdoor activities indoors on Tuesday as the Washington State Department of Health determined the air over the Columbia Basin had become unhealthy.

“We have decided to move all outdoor athletic events and practices indoors for the remainder of today,” said Josh Meek, superintendent of the Moses Lake School District.

In addition, Meek said a junior varsity football game scheduled for Tuesday afternoon had been canceled.

Officials at Moses Lake Christian Academy also pulled physical education and recess indoors because of the air quality.

According to McKenna Reis, communication coordinator for the Moses Lake School District, the district will continue to monitor the air situation on a daily basis.

“We will re-evaluate everyday using the recommendations of the Washington Department of Health,” Reis said.

According to the Washington Smoke Information web site, smoke from fires in Oregon, Idaho, Montana and central Washington have settled over the region, creating “hazardous air quality” that is not expected to improve for the next several days.