12-03-2025
River Ridge High School & Middle School closed after smoke from controlled burn enters classrooms
The Brief
River Ridge High School and River Ridge Middle School are closed on Wednesday due to smoke from a controlled burn at Starkey Park.
School officials say conditions are unsafe after "excessive smoke" entered classrooms.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District said the controlled burn was authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - River Ridge High School and River Ridge Middle School in Pasco County are closed on Wednesday after school officials say "excessive smoke" from a nearby controlled burn led to unsafe conditions on campus.
According to a post on River Ridge High School's Facebook page, smoke from Starkey Park made its way into classrooms, causing officials to cancel all classes and campus activities for Wednesday, March 12.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District said the controlled burn spanned 107 acres and was authorized by the Florida Forest Service, adding that the area contained dead trees from a 2017 brush fire and debris from recent hurricanes.
What they're saying
The school's Facebook post reads, in part: "We appreciate your support and understanding. Though we know this is not convenient, our focus is student safety."
SWFMD also released a statement, apologizing for the school closures while also writing: "Prescribed fires such as this one are critical to help protect the community from the spread of uncontrolled wildfires like the ones recently experienced in California."
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