On Jan 7, 2025, several fires broke out across all of Los Angeles, majorly affecting the area and causing a wide group of people to evacuate.
The cause of the fires is currently unidentified. Many are debating about how or what started the fires. Some say it is the dry conditions, while others say they’re man-made.
As the all the ash and smoke from these fires went through the air, it caused Southeast Middle School to switch their schedule. Students could no longer allowed to go outside, and limited to the areas of the MPR, lecture hall, or the gym. This also made Southeast get off at 12:43 rather than the usual 3pm.
As the smoke and ash progressively moved over to South Gate, Southeast Middle School had to take 2 days off to keep their students safe and protected.
After the 2 day break, students stated their opinion.
Bethany, a 6th grader in SEMS said she is affected by the fires by not going to school and not being allowed to go outside. She prevented harm against the fires by not starting any fires. She didn’t know anyone by the fires, and said the two days off school was fun.
Michael, a 7th grader in SEMS said he is sad because of the fires. He prevented harm by wearing a mask. He didn’t know anyone by the fires, and was happy that there was no school.
Jaden Jefferson, an 8th grader in SEMS said he’s affected by the fires in an emotional way, feeling a bit scared. He prevented harm against the fires by staying inside of his house. He said his cousins is close by the fires, and worried for them. He said he was surprised there was no school.
Mason, a 6th grader in DREAMS said he wasn’t really affected by the fires aside from the air quality. He stayed inside of his area to prevent harm, didn’t know anyone by the fires, and felt a bit happy about no school.
Jacobo, a 7th grader in DREAMS said that he wasn’t affected by the fires. He prevented harm by staying inside. He didn’t know anyone by the fires, and didn’t really like staying home.
Cesar Ochoa, an 8th grader in DREAMS said he’s affected by the fires by not allowed outside. He prevented harm against the fires by staying indoors and wearing a mask. Some of his family members lived by the fires, and said staying at home was great but also boring.
For more information about the fires, visit fire.ca.gov.