Air quality concerns force soccer cancellation

Concern about wildfire smoke pollution and the effect on children of breathing that smoke has led to cancellation of a large soccer tournament at Plantes Ferry Park. In addition, the Greater Spokane League has implemented a new smoke pollution protocol that could lead to cancellation of practices and games when pollution levels rise to unhealthy levels. Meanwhile, the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency was predicting that air quality would go into the unhealthy range for persons with health issues on Friday. Blowing dust may get into the pollution mix on Friday. This afternoon’s air quality was in the moderate range as winds caused smoke plumes to veer away from the Lilac City. The River City Challenge soccer tournament had been set for Friday through Sunday and was expected to draw 112 teams from around the region and Canada with nearly 1,700 players. FC Spokane, the soccer club that sponsors the annual tournament, called it off to protect young players’ lungs, said Jody Reidt at the club office. The select tournament was going to draw players ranging from elementary through high school ages. She said reaction has been positive. “People are grateful and are happy we took kids’ health into consideration,” Reidt said. Kevin Morrison, director of community relations for Spokane Public Schools, said that athletic directors at GSL schools will be responsible for monitoring air quality and determining if activities should be limited. If the air quality rises into the category of unhealthy for persons with health issues, then players who have health issues will be sidelined. If air quality rises into the category of unhealthy for all persons, then practices or games will be cancelled. The rule applies to all sports, Morrison said. He said it is the first time that anyone could remember smoke pollution forcing the possibility of cancellations. Officials are taking young players’ health seriously, he said. Dana Haynes, spokeswoman for the Spokane Sports Commission, said she was not aware of any other cancellations of events this weekend, but the commission does not have any events on the schedule during the next several days. The National Weather Service is calling for areas of smoke through next Thursday. In addition, blowing dust may get into the air as well as a cold front enters the region from the north. Southwest wind gusts in Spokane could reach 25 mph tonight. Winds shift on Friday with Spokane seeing gusts to 30 mph out of the west. Some areas could see gusts to 40 mph. A “red flag” warning for dangerous fire weather remains in effect across the region through 11 p.m. on Friday because of the wind, low humidity and dry fire fuels. Once the wind dies down by Saturday, firefighters will be aided by cooler temperatures with highs in the 70s and 80s over the weekend at lower elevations. A light east wind is expected in Spokane on Saturday.