Air quality issues
On Wednesday afternoon, the Raiders practiced in air quality conditions of
189 particulate matter, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The Air Quality Index in Alameda was improved Thursday, registering 156 pm at the 11 a.m. start of practice.
Both readings fall under the “Unhealthy” category of the EPA’S classification system. A health message accompanies this level: “People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.”
The Raiders adjusted with shorter practices. Players also reported a lighter tempo.
Michael Gehlken
approach. On Oct. 26, 2003, the day before a “Monday Night Fooball” game between the Chargers and Dolphins, the NFL moved the game from San Diego to Arizona because of the Cedar Fire. Refunds were provided to fans. Tickets in Arizona were free. Donations were collected toward San Diego’s relief efforts.
In response to problematic air quality, the Raiders have adjusted their practice schedule this week.
Their Wednesday afternoon session was shortened amid air conditions that the Environmental Protection Agency termed “Unhealthy.” Later on Wednesday, the team announced a revision to its Thursday practice, moving it from 1:45 p.m. to 11 a.m. The club announced a second revision Thursday morning: Practice was shortened to end at 12:30 p.m., an hour earlier than its initial listing.
Safety Reggie Nelson practiced Wednesday and Thursday while wearing an anti-pollutant face mask behind his helmet’s face mask. Running back Jalen Richard and wide
receivers Michael Crabtree and Isaac Whitney wore masks Thursday.
The team facility is located about 40 minutes south of the fires. The Coliseum is a few miles closer.
Ralph Borrmann works as a public information officer for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which oversees the EPA’S air quality index readings for the region. He said “nobody can answer” today what the air quality conditions will be like Sunday.
“We don’t know what the level of containment of fire will be or what the wind direction will be,” Borrmann said, “so we don’t have an answer for it. … Things can change pretty quickly. It’s really hard to make a prediction that’s going to be 100 percent accurate. There are variable winds. Generally, now they’re blowing in a southernly direction from what’s burning. It’s filtering into the Bay Area from the north. In an hour, things can change.”
Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Gehlkennfl on Twitter.