News

Humboldt State University is reopening today for on-campus classes after being closed for several days due to air quality concerns, according to a news release.

"All face-to-face courses, outdoor activities, virtual instruction and operations will continue as scheduled," the release states.

According to AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map, Arcata's current air quality index is 45, or 'good.'

The campus release goes on to say, "While air quality has improved, please note those levels may fluctuate throughout the day. Current on-campus air quality data can be found here: https://fire.airnow.gov."

Read the full press release below:

Air Quality Improves, HSU Campus Open

Humboldt State University will be open on Tuesday, Sept. 15. All face-to-face courses, outdoor activities, virtual instruction, and operations will continue as scheduled.

While air quality has improved, please note those levels may fluctuate throughout the day. Current on-campus air quality data can be found here: https://fire.airnow.gov.

HSU understands that students, faculty and staff may be impacted by the wildfires, smoke or power outages. Students who are impacted by conditions and cannot attend class should contact their instructor. Faculty who cannot teach a class should inform their chair and dean and also notify students in their course. Faculty are also asked to provide flexibility for students who report that they are unable to attend class. Staff impacted should immediately contact their appropriate administrator for further direction.

Humboldt State continues to monitor the impacts of wildfires and smoke on air quality index (AQI) in the Humboldt County area. The levels of smoke in the air are unusually high for the North Coast, but are not new to other parts of California.

There are no wildfires currently burning near the University. HSU continues to monitor the impacts of wildfires in the area.


The U.S. AQI is the Environmental Protection Agency’s index for reporting air quality. The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern and has a specific color. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. Learn more about Air Quality Index here


The University’s Emergency Operations Plan outlines the following thresholds for action:


0-50: Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Campus operations normal.


50-100: Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Campus operations are normal. If you have concerns about whether conditions may affect you, please contact your appropriate administrator and health care provider. If you are a student contact your instructors and the Student Health Center.


100-150: If the AQI is above 100 for more than 30 minutes, N95 masks will be provided to employees upon request. Outdoor face-to-face instruction, field trips, and extracurricular activities are not permitted. Some essential workers are permitted to conduct outdoor work with appropriate administrator approval. Those employees working on campus will be provided N95 masks, which will be available at Facilities Management, UPD, and Jolly Giant Commons Mailroom.


Anything above 150: If the AQI is above 150 for more than 30 minutes then campus would close with the exception of limited essential personnel including UPD, and some from Facilities Management, Dining, and Housing. Virtual instruction will still continue. Air handling systems would be shut down. Those employees working on campus will be provided N95 masks, which will be available at Facilities Management, UPD, and Jolly Giant Commons Mailroom.


Please stay informed and keep safe by monitoring your HSU email and by visiting the following online resources:

AirNow Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District: https://hsu.link/Z3k

(If you are currently outside of Humboldt County, you’ll need to check your local air quality index)

CalFire Fire Map: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents

Campus information about Public Safety Power Shutdowns and other outages: https://poweroutage.humboldt.edu

Caltrans Road Conditions: https://roads.dot.ca.gov

For more information about campus safety and the Fall semester, visit campusready.humboldt.edu.