Thursday: Air quality impacting events, school games

All of eastern Washington and much of northeastern Oregon is under an Air Quality Alert put in place by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Rob Rodger with the Benton Clean Air Agency says the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla sits at a "Very Unhealthy level," Yakima sit at a "Hazardous" level, which the health department recommends people limit their time outdoors.

Below is a list of what has been impacted by the smokey air conditions:

Schools:

Ellensburg School District: All classes, sports practices and school related activities will be CANCELLED until Monday, September 11th. ALL STAFF: All building are closed until further notice.

Kennewick School District: Sept. 7 @ 9 AM: High school athletic practices and other outside activities will occur as scheduled inside. Due to facility limitations, some middle school practices will be canceled and some will be moved inside. Please contact your specific school for more information

Kennewick Athletics: Soccer at Walla Walla today has been cancelled. Make-up date TBD.

Kittitas School District: Due to poor air quality in all buildings, the Kittitas School District's first day of school will be Monday, September 11th. Please remember we will be on the late start schedule on Monday.

Kiona-Benton School District: Students will be kept inside for recess, sports practice and P.E. until further notice due to air quality. We will update you on the status of games by mid afternoon.

Pasco School District: Following guidelines and recommendations provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health, and has decided to keep all students and staff inside for recess, lunch and physical education classes.

Pasco Athletics: Today’s Cancelled Events: Frosh Football @ Davis - Moved to 10am in Yakima on Saturday 9/9, Varsity Football @ Davis - Moved to 1pm in Yakima on Saturday 9/9, JV Girls Soccer vs. SHS - Moved to 9/23 – 10am @ EBS, V Girls Soccer vs. SHS - Moved to 9/23 – 12pm @ EBS

Richland School District: RSD students will be kept inside during recess and P.E. classes Thursday due to the smoke. Outdoor sports practices and competitions have been canceled or moved inside.

Yakima School District: Due to poor air quality, schools will keep all activities indoors. This includes after school sport practices, contests and activities (i.e. band practice). Please see the specific school website for details regarding location and time changes (and possible cancellations).

Other:

Richland: Friday's last Artisan Market in John Dam Plaza, from 9am-1pm, has been canceled.

Richland: Saturday's Dancing under the Stars, an outdoor swing dance and concert planned for John Dam Plaza has also been canceled. Organizers are already planning for the 2018 event.