In the city of Redlands, the start of the school year usually means students enjoying the sunny California days. However, since Thursday Sept. 5, students looking up found the skies filled with smoke and ash.
Effects of the Fire
The Highland Line Fire started on Sep. 5, just south of Interstate 10 near Highland Springs Avenue. Assisted by the ongoing heat wave, which caused dry brush to easily ignite, the fire grew exponentially. It is currently at over 20,000 acres and is being battled by over 600 firefighters, including the national Guard, according to the New York Times. While evacuations have been issued to at-risk communities, including Highland and parts of Redlands, the university is not in any danger and there are no evacuation alerts for the university. The smoke and ash in the area is the main culprit for the abundance of recent alerts, as inhaling large amounts of this unhealthy air can be detrimental to one’s health.
“The smoke here is bad,” said Cooper Slayton ‘26, “The kind of bad that turns the moon and sun a different color and makes it look like it’s 7:00p.m. when it’s actually 3:00p.m.”
Air quality warnings were issued by the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to last throughout the weekend and into the week. Other large local fires such as the Bridge Fire near Mt. Baldy and the Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon have added additional smoke.
A cloud of haze covers the street in Redlands as a result of the Line Fire
Starting Monday Sept. 9, the severity of the air quality prompted schools across the county to suspend both outdoor activities and in-person classes in favor of encouraging students to stay indoors. The University of Redlands was among these schools. An email was issued to the university community on Sunday, Sept. 8, notifying students and faculty alike that classes would be held online the next day.
On Monday, Sept. 9 and Tuesday, Sept. 10, the university reached out via email to notify the university community that classes would continue remotely through Wednesday, Sept. 11. Professors with classes that could be safely held indoors could also choose to have their class meet either in-person or through a hybrid format.
The dining hall and library were left open, but it was advised that students avoid going outside into the ash-filled air whenever possible. An additional email sent out on Sept. 9 gave notice that the Student Involvement Fair, an event that usually occurs during the first weeks of the term, would be postponed from Sept. 13 and moved to Sept. 27. Athletic events and other outdoor activities were also canceled, and some campus locations such as the campus bookstore were closed. A guest recital by tubist Gene Pokorny was also postponed to a later date.
Normalcy Resumes
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, an email was sent to the university community with the announcement that in-person classes would resume as the air quality improved drastically overnight. While the Line and Bridge fires are still burning, the smoke coverage has shifted, leaving the skies significantly bluer.
Helpful Resources
As the fire and resulting air quality remain a concern, students and faculty are encouraged to check their emails and stay updated on the Rave guardian system. The university’s website is also giving updates on the current situation as the university works with local authorities to monitor the fire.
Masks are highly encouraged when venturing outside to limit exposure to the smoky air. The university has made them available in residence hall lobbies, the Hunsaker lounge, and the library.
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health additionally issued a reminder that anyone seeking information can make a call to 2-1-1, an information hotline with details about road closures, food assistance, shelters, animal care resources, and mental health support.
If there is an urgent emergency, people are encouraged to dial 911.
The university is also offering counseling through the TimelyCare app and Counseling Center, along with giving accommodation assistance through the Student Success Center. Those living off-campus and in need of emergency housing can also contact Student Affairs at (909) 362-7560. The Student Food Pantry is available to students as well.
Photos by Bec Gage
Kae Yeoh is a junior majoring in music performance and is a senior reporter for the Redlands Bulldog. When not busy, Kae enjoys writing, making Spotify playlists, and watching documentaries.
