Sixteen school districts in Los Angeles County have been closed on Thursday due to the presence of five destructive wildfires burning across the county, as reported by the Office of Education. Among the affected districts is the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which is not only the nation's second-largest school district but also the largest in California.
LAUSD released a statement on Thursday morning citing the dangerous and complex situations created by a combination of wind, fire, and smoke, which have led to unsafe conditions for the school communities. The district is currently evaluating whether classes will be conducted remotely on Friday, January 10, with a decision expected to be announced by 4 p.m. local time today.
Four of the 16 school districts that were closed on Thursday have already confirmed that they will remain closed on Friday as well. These districts include Burbank Unified School District, Glendale Unified School District, La Canada Unified School District, and Pasadena Unified School District.
Los Angeles County is home to a total of 80 public school districts, collectively serving 1.3 million students from elementary through high school levels. The ongoing wildfires have necessitated these closures to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the broader school communities.
