FAQs

What is Salem Public Schools doing to mitigate the smoke emanating from the brush fires?

Salem Public Schools administration is frequently in touch with City of Salem officials including the Board of Health, the Salem Fire Department, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) regarding the air quality and the threat of the brush fires.

On Monday, following an extensive walk-through of several schools, the Board of Health advised we close any and all vents bringing in outside air and deemed each school was safe to continue regular learning.

However, the Board of Health advised all outdoor activities be conducted indoors for the day, even though the smoke cleared later Monday afternoon.

What are precautions our families can take?

In the Friday, Nov. 1 District Newsletter, Jane Morrissey, Director of Nursing and Health Services, offered guidance dealing with the effects of the brush fires, including links to smoke maps and to the Healthy Air Network, which monitors air quality in Massachusetts.

  • Limit outdoor activities, especially sensitive groups, including those with lung or heart issues, older adults, and children.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from getting inside.
  • Use an air purifier/air cleaner
  • If you have to be outside, where an N95 mask or P100 respirator.
  • Watch for symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath and consult your physician.

Resources

How long will the brush fires burn?

It is unknown at this time. 

The brush fire in Cain Hill is mostly out, the SFD said, and those fires that broke out on the Salem Golf Course are extinguished, but remain monitored. Last week’s fires along Trader’s Way are also being monitored.

Firefighters are still battling fires in Middleton, the smoke from which has drifted to Peabody and Salem.

Live Updates

A letter from SPS Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike: Tuesday, Nov. 5 (5 p.m.)

SPS Community,

Over the last week, our school day has been impacted by unexpected smoke emanating from local brush fires.  Dry conditions and gusty winds across Massachusetts are creating ideal conditions for these fires, which have been occurring statewide, with a particular concentration in eastern Massachusetts. All of southern New England is under a red flag warning, alerting firefighters and the public to heightened fire risks.  While it is difficult to predict how long these conditions will persist, we want to share our protocols and offer guidance on precautions that community members can take.  

Over the last week, we have made schedule and programmatic decisions based on guidance from the Salem Board of Health, the Salem Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Salem Public Schools Director of Nursing and Health Services, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency regarding the air quality inside and outside of our schools.  On their recommendation, we have over the past week, occasionally restricted outdoor activities, once early released a school, once relocated another school, and regularly closed vents bringing outside air into schools, closed windows and doors, accelerated our exhaust systems, and ran  air purifiers as needed.  

Our approach and response can shift during the school day depending on the wind direction and speed forecast and the intensity of the fires.  For instance, yesterday we restricted outdoor activities during the school day and by the afternoon conditions had improved such that our sports and after school programs were permitted to be outside.  Moving forward, we will do our best to keep you posted on any of these schedule changes via Parentsquare.  

Additionally, we have been carefully monitoring students and staff with known respiratory issues.  There has been active consultation with families and medical providers to ensure the health and well-being of individuals with conditions exacerbated by the smoke.  Please be sure to reach out to our nursing team if you have any further questions or concerns.  

In Friday’s weekly Newsletter, Jane Morrissey, our Director of Nursing and Health Services,  offered guidance to community members dealing with the effects of the brush fires.  She included links to the Healthy Air Network, which monitors air quality in Massachusetts and offered a resource for making an air purifier if you do not have one at home.  Further, she recommended that those with health concerns take the following actions:

  • Limit outdoor activities, especially sensitive groups, including those with lung or heart issues, older adults, and children.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from getting inside.
  • Use an air purifier/air cleaner
  • If you have to be outside, wear an N95 mask or P100 respirator.
  • Watch for symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath and consult your physician.

You can also find additional information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/climate-fact-sheet-wildfire-smoke-events.

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this new challenge and balance keeping our students safe with our commitment to minimizing the disruption to our school day.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any additional feedback or questions.

With gratitude,

Steve

Monday, Nov. 4 (9 a.m.)

Given the smoke filled air around the city, we have been advised to suspend outdoor activities as a result of the conditions. Until further notice, recess, physical education, outdoor learning and sports activities will be moved indoors. We are in regular communication with city officials and will share updates as necessary. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Wednesday, Oct. 30 (8:44 a.m.)

The rain overnight helped somewhat with the two fire locations (Spring Pond and Traders Way), but the areas are still smoldering, and some more smoke is expected today. With the warm weather and the wind in the forecast, it is likely there will be more flare ups, as well, especially at the Traders Way site, but fire personnel will be on site to maintain a line and keep it contained.

There have been rumors on social media about one or two other brushfires in Salem – these are not accurate. The two fire areas described above are the only two currently being worked in Salem. However, there are other brushfires throughout Massachusetts that may be contributing to the smokey conditions in the region.

There continues to be a special weather statement regarding the dry/hazardous conditions from the National Weather Service, and the City reminds residents about the hazards this situation presents: https://www.salemma.gov/home/news/stay-fire-safe-during-current-dry-conditions.

As a reminder, open burning is prohibited in Salem (especially in conditions like these), dispose of smoking material properly, and avoid going into areas where there is smoke and fire.