Salem High School Dismisses Students Early Due to Smoke

Students at Salem High School were dismissed early due to unhealthy smoke conditions caused by ongoing brush fires in the area, including a significant fire in Salem Woods and another in Middleton, which has grown to over 250 acres. Horace Mann Laboratory School students were relocated to Witchcraft Heights Elementary School as a precaution, with all outdoor activities canceled. While there is no immediate danger from the fires themselves, the smoke poses health risks, prompting safety measures. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with firefighting efforts, using helicopters to drop water on the flames. The National Weather Service has identified a surface inversion that is trapping smoke near the ground, contributing to poor air quality. Residents are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed to protect indoor air quality.