Air quality prompts changes in schedule

MAT-SU -- Haze and smoke-filled skies have been a cause for concern in the Mat-Su Valley, but an ongoing problem in Fairbanks. Because of poor air quality due to Fairbanks-area forest fires, local schools were forced to make changes in the prep football agenda this week.

Palmer and Houston were both scheduled to send teams to Fairbanks this week, but the smoky conditions have forced schools to move the games to the Valley, where conditions are less of a concern. Rather than traveling to Eielson, Palmer will host the Ravens tonight at 7 p.m. Houston will play the West Valley Wolfpack at home, with the JV game at 10 a.m. and varsity at 1 p.m. And although North Pole is not playing a Valley squad, the Patriots will also move their non-conference match with Skyview to the Valley. With Wasilla on the road, North Pole will call Veterans Memorial Field its home this weekend. North Pole will face the Panthers tonight at 7 p.m.

The layer of smoke and haze in the Mat-Su Valley skies has forced some local teams to alter their practice routines. The Mat-Su Borough School District's risk management department issued a warning on Monday and some teams participating in the outdoor sports were asked to practice inside.

Palmer High activities director Brandon Blake said both the Moose football and cross-country running squads practiced indoors on Monday and he asked coaches to use discretion when making practice plans for the remainder of the week.

Wasilla High activities director Joe Gardner said he recommended the Warrior cross-country running team practice indoors on Monday and Tuesday. Gardner, also the Warrior head football coach, said the Wasilla football squad did practice outdoors but limited work to avoid any respiratory problems.

Local schools were forced to deal with a similar problem during the spring. Soccer games and track and field events were cancelled in the Mat-Su Valley due to poor air conditions. Anytime the local air condition is questionable, a warning is issued by the borough and a recommendation is made to the schools by the district.