Smoke from a wildfire in the north Georgia mountains continues to spread to Atlanta, and CSD is taking precautions protect its more vulnerable students.

Today’s air quality level is orange, meaning an elevated risk for people who have conditions like asthma.

The extreme drought conditions are keeping the fire lit, and the National Weather Service says there isn’t any rain the forecast in the next 10 days.

The 4/5 Academy in Decatur sent an email to parents saying some students would be kept indoors on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

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“Due to the recent North GA wildfires and compromised air quality here in Decatur, we are watching the Atlanta Air Quality Index (AQI) closely and making determinations as to whether it is suitable for students to be outside during recess and PE,” the email says. “Those students with respiratory conditions, including asthma, are kept inside during recess and PE if the air quality is unsuitable for sensitive groups. All students are kept indoors for recess and PE when the Air Quality Index is in the red, meaning it’s unhealthy for all groups. We appreciate your understanding and will continue to make every effort to keep F.AVE students safe and healthy.”

Spokesperson Courtney Burnett said this is the practice at all CSD schools.

According to an alert from the National Weather Service, winds are continuing to spread the smoke in a southeastern direction.

“Northwest winds will continue to spread smoke from numerous north Georgia wildfires to the south and southeast today. The greatest widespread impact will likely be along and east of a Rome to Atlanta to Macon line,” the National Weather Service says. “However, a fire north of Carrollton and another just south of Talladega, Alabama will likely impact areas west of Atlanta along the I-20 corridor and areas southward to around the Columbus metro area. The smoke will make the outdoor air unhealthy for some people. Anyone sensitive to smoke or with heart or lung problems should limit their outdoor exposure for the next few days.”

Source: National Weather Service

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