In Spite of Wildfires, Northwestern Schools Open as Scheduled

By Karla Scoon Reid

Classes have started as scheduled in Idaho and Montana public schools despite the wildfires ravaging the Northwest's forests.

The fires never threatened school buildings in those states—two of the hardest-hit by the blazes—but poor air quality forced football and cross- country teams to practice in gymnasiums and kept children inside for recess last month.

Smoke-filled air in Salmon, Idaho, prompted that district to use air purifiers and filters in its buildings. Much-needed rain and cooler temperatures over the Labor Day...