Silver Fire raising concerns about air quality in Coachella Valley and Banning Pass

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory Thursday for the Coachella Valley and Banning Pass due to ash and smoke from the Silver Fire. The AQMD also recommended residents avoid vigorous outdoor activity.

Due to the bad air the Silver Fire has produced, the football coaching staff at Xavier High School in Palm Desert had to change the game plan for this week’s two-a-day workouts. Right after the fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, it became clear the players would not be practicing outside during the day’s second practice session.

“Talked with the trainer, there were warnings out there that the air quality was poor, so we moved our practice inside for last night. We practiced in the gym and did what we could with it,” said head coach, Bob Molyet.

The Xavier team was able to practice outside Thursday morning, but Molyet said unless the school’s trainer gave him clearance, he would probably take practice back indoors for the second round of practice later in the day.

Meantime, the Palm Springs Unified School District cancelled all afternoon high school practices Thursday. PSUSD also cancelled its after school program activities at its eight elementary schools.