Update 6: September 12 (7:35 a.m.)
While the Airport Fire continues to move away from Irvine, the smell of smoke is present in the city due to changing wind conditions. In accordance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) guidelines, ſ schools will continue to modify outdoor activities. Please look for messages from your schools and coaches for more information throughout the day.
All ſ schools are equipped with advanced HVAC systems, including MERV-13 filters, and have the capability to close outdoor air intakes on HVAC units. Each school is also equipped with AQMD-recommended air quality sensors, allowing us to actively monitor campus air quality in real time. Additionally, portable HEPA-filtered air cleaners are utilized in our schools and facilities.
We remain in close contact with SCAQMD, the Irvine Police Department, and the Orange County Fire Authority and will continue to monitor the situation and air quality levels. Should conditions change, we are prepared to modify outdoor activities as needed to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Update 5: September 11 (3 p.m.)
We are committed to providing our community with updates about the Airport Fire and air quality in Irvine. Earlier today, we notified families and staff that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) had issued an air quality advisory for our region. Conditions have since improved, and the advisory for the region is now in effect until Thursday, September 12, at 8 a.m.
SCAQMD regions cover large areas, and air quality can differ from one part of the region to another. The air quality in Irvine is currently rated as "good." Additionally, we are utilizing our AQMD-recommended air quality sensors at each school site to monitor local conditions throughout the District, and they are also showing air quality as "good."
We remain in close contact with SCAQMD, the Irvine Police Department, and the Orange County Fire Authority and will continue to monitor air quality levels. Should conditions change, we are prepared to modify outdoor activities as needed to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate this evolving situation.
Update 4: Message from Superintendent Walker - Schools to Modify Outdoor Activities in accordance with Air quality advisory - September 11 (7:15 a.m.)
Dear ſ Community,
The Irvine Police Department’s Emergency Management Team has informed the ſ (ſ) that the Airport Fire continues to move away from Irvine and currently poses no threat to ſ schools. However, due to multiple wildfires in Southern California, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued an air quality advisory that will be in effect until Thursday, September 12, at 8 p.m. For more information, please visit the SCAQMD.
In alignment with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) advisory, ſ schools will modify outdoor activities and athletics to support the health and safety of students and staff. These modifications may include but are not limited to, holding physical education (PE) and recess indoors, reducing outdoor activities, and adjusting athletic practices and events in accordance with new California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) guidelines. We will continue to monitor air quality levels and make further adjustments as needed. Please look for messages from your child(ren)’s school(s).
All ſ schools are equipped with advanced HVAC systems, including MERV-13 filters, and have the capability to close outdoor air intakes on HVAC units. Each school is also equipped with AQMD-recommended air quality sensors, allowing us to actively monitor campus air quality in real time. Additionally, portable HEPA-filtered air cleaners are utilized in our schools and facilities.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We are working closely with the Orange County Fire Authority, the Irvine Police Department, and SCAQMD and will continue to monitor the situation. If conditions change, we will notify the ſ community immediately.
For ongoing updates related to the Airport Fire, please follow the Orange County Fire Authority and the Irvine Police Department on social media. You can also visit and ſ's social media on Instagram and Facebook for ongoing updates. To learn more about how ſ and our schools prepare for emergencies, visitiusd.org/safety. For questions about your child’s school, please contact the school directly.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Terry L. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
ſ
Update 3: September 10 (2:45 p.m.)
The Irvine Police Department has reported that plumes of smoke are visible throughout Orange County due to multiple fires burning in the Southern California region. Although residents may see smoke from these incidents, there is currently no threat to Irvine. The Airport Fire continues to move north and east away from Irvine.
Although wildfire plumes are visible from the northeast and north side of the city, the smoke has not impacted schools. Air quality remains “good” at this time, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the air quality sensors at school sites.
ſ is in close contact with the Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority and continues to monitor this situation. We will keep our community informed if conditions change. For ongoing updates, follow the Orange County Fire Authority and the Irvine Police Department on social media.
Update 2: September 10 (7:45 a.m.)
The Irvine Police Department's Emergency Management Team has informed the ſ (ſ) that the Airport Fire has moved east and does not pose a threat to Irvine or ſ schools.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We are in close contact with the Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority, and the District and our schools are monitoring the situation. If conditions change, families will be notified immediately.
The National Weather Service has extended the heat advisory until 8 p.m. tonight (9/10). Schools will continue to modify outdoor activities accordingly.
Update 1: September 9 (2:30 p.m.)
The Orange County Fire Authority is currently responding to a fire in Trabuco Canyon, named the “Airport Fire,” which is causing smoke in our area. ſ schools are not in danger.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep our community informed as we have updates.
In the meantime, schools will adjust outdoor activities based on air quality standards to ensure student safety.