Despite poor air quality from nearby fires, Chilliwack schools to remain open Monday, Sept. 12; Superintendent pledges to keep students and staff safe

CHILLIWACK — Despite the presence of an air quality advisory stemming from the nearby Flood Falls Trail fire west of Hope and other regional blazes, SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam says Chilliwack public schools will remain open tomorrow, September 12.

Arul-pragasam made the announcement on his social media page Sunday night, Sept. 11 and reaffirmed the school district’s commitment to keeping students and staff safe.

For example, he pointed out the best filtration rating for wildfire smoke is MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) 13, and all SD33 sites have MERV 13 filters, including the new Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary-Middle school and the newly expanded Vedder Elementary.

“We will continue to monitor our air quality advisory,” Arul-pragasam pledged.