Four schools were shut down on Thursday after at least 24 students became sick from smoke from a nearby dump fire.
Desert Mirage High School, Toro Canyon Middle School, Las Palmitas Elementary School, and Mecca Elementary School were all closed and students sent home after all saw students sent to the hospital with respiratory issues, according to the Desert Sun.
It’s not clear if the schools will reopen on Friday.
In a press release issued on Thursday afternoon, Cal Fire recommend residents of the area refrain from vigorous outdoor activities, close windows and doors, run any air conditioners with the fresh air intake closed, avoid using swamp coolers and whole-house fans, and not to use wood burning stoves or fireplaces.
They also recommend the elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues or heart disease remain indoors.
News release regarding a medical emergency this morning at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal: pic.twitter.com/fHJx4ln9n6
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) October 17, 2019
