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Unhealthy Air From Wildfire Smoke Postpones Reno Schools

RENO, Nev. (AP) — After weeks of debating how best to begin the new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, school officials in Reno postponed reopening classrooms Monday due to unhealthy air quality and other concerns about a nearby California wildfire.

Washoe County schools had been scheduled to reopen Monday for the first time since March as part of a district-wide plan to combine in-person and distance learning. More than 500 firefighters were battling the lightning-sparked fire that has destroyed at least five homes north of Reno.

School officials didn't decide until Sunday night to postpone starting the new school year. They plan to reopen schools Tuesday.