This marks the first time since the January 2025 Palisades fire (above) and Eaton fire that the district has activated its enhanced emergency preparedness system at scale to assess real-time conditions. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

In the wake of the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley, Los Angeles Unified is implementing its enhanced wildfire emergency protocols to ensure safe conditions for students and staff across impacted communities.

Using a coordinated approach that integrates real-time air quality monitoring, site-based inspections, and established safety thresholds, the district has been closely assessing conditions at schools across the San Fernando Valley – one of the regions most vulnerable to wildfire smoke and ash. The updated protocols, strengthened following recent wildfire events, provide clear, data-driven guidance for school operations during environmental emergencies.

“This is exactly why we updated our wildfire protocols,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “In a region where wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and impact communities with little warning, we now have the ability to assess available conditions and make decisions rooted in data, safety and care for our students.”

This marks the first time since the Palisades and Eaton Fires that the district has activated its enhanced emergency preparedness system at scale to assess real-time conditions. Following those events, Los Angeles Unified strengthened its protocols to include more precise air quality thresholds, expanded coordination across operational teams and clearer guidance for school-site decision-making.

Under the district’s updated protocols, school operations are guided by established Air Quality Index thresholds that determine when outdoor activities may proceed, be modified, or be canceled entirely. For example, when AQI levels exceed 150, all outdoor activities are moved indoors, and at higher levels, schools implement shelter-in-place procedures or consider closure based on conditions. This is enabled by the district’s Know Your Air Network, a comprehensive air quality monitoring system designed to protect student and staff health during wildfire events.

In addition to air quality thresholds, schools follow comprehensive safety measures that include maintaining indoor air quality by closing windows, operating HVAC systems and using air purifiers; ensuring access to N95 masks for students and staff; and coordinating with school nurses to monitor individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

Through this structured approach, Los Angeles Unified conducted early morning assessments at campuses closest to the fire. The evaluations confirmed that overall indoor conditions remained stable, with no significant smoke impacts detected inside school buildings. While some campuses experienced light ash fall outdoors and mild smoke odors, there was no evidence of substantial indoor ash or smoke intrusion.

As a precaution, schools experiencing outdoor ash or odor conditions were advised to modify schedules to prioritize indoor activities and minimize strenuous physical exertion.

The district’s enhanced wildfire protocols also include clear recovery steps once conditions improve. Schools resume normal outdoor activities only after AQI levels return to safe ranges, while facilities teams inspect and reset HVAC systems, replace filters, and ensure campuses are fully safe for students and staff.

As climate conditions continue to increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires across California, LAUSD’s proactive and comprehensive approach ensures that learning can continue safely – even in the face of environmental uncertainty.

To view air quality, visit oehs.lausd.org/apps/pages/knowyourairnetwork.