While students returned to classes on Tuesday at most Kenai Peninsula public schools, student athletes have been training and practicing for weeks in preparation for the upcoming season. Now, however, the Swan Lake Fire has claimed at least two early-season events, with more cancellations looming.
In an online announcement Wednesday Superintendent John O'Brien cancelled all outdoor athletics hosted by Kenai Peninsula Borough schools until further notice.
In addition, all activity-related travel between Sterling and Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway is cancelled until further notice.
The cancellations include the Tsalteshi Cross Country Invite in Soldotna, and the Kenai Central vs. Eielson football game hosted by KCHS.
Indoor events at schools throughout the Peninsula may still take place.
“This decision places a priority on the safety, health, and well-being of our athletes, coaches, families, and hundreds of students and their families from across the state who planned to travel to compete in sporting events on the Kenai Peninsula,” O’Brien said in the release.
