Emergency responders at the scene of a fire incident at Lunenburg Middle High School.
A fire on the roof of Lunenburg Middle/High School led to an evacuation of students and staff on the first day back to school. Black smoke was observed, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the fire was contained quickly. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical malfunction related to the building’s solar panels. Officials are evaluating the damage and determining necessary safety measures.
Lunenburg, MA— The first day of school at Lunenburg Middle/High School was interrupted by a fire that broke out on the roof early Tuesday morning. The incident prompted an immediate evacuation of students and staff, with no injuries reported. The fire was contained within approximately 20 minutes, thanks to the swift response of local firefighters and adherence to emergency procedures.
The fire occurred shortly after 11 a.m., specifically on the building’s roof where solar panels are installed. The initial alert came when students on campus noticed black smoke emanating from the back of the building. Emergency crews responded promptly, dispatching multiple fire units to the scene to contain the blaze.
Firefighters used dry chemical extinguishers to put out the fire, as these are more effective on issues involving electrical equipment and solar panels. Water cannot be used on fires involving solar panels because it could cause further damage or electrical hazards. The entire process took approximately 15 to 20 minutes, during which the fire was successfully controlled, and students were evacuated from the premises.
Initial assessments showed that at least five solar panels sustained visible fire damage. In addition, the roof of the school’s weight room was slightly damaged but was unoccupied at the time of the incident. A building and electrical inspector has been dispatched to evaluate the overall safety of the structure and to determine if the school is structurally sound for students and staff to return.
Superintendent of Schools Jodi Fortuna expressed appreciation for the smooth execution of emergency plans and praised the quick evacuation, which prevented injuries. She affirmed that classes are expected to resume the following day, Wednesday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary findings point towards an electrical malfunction, possibly due to wear and tear or a short circuit. The school’s roof was constructed approximately eight years ago, which may factor into the timeline of electrical issues that could have led to the incident.
The event was recorded on video by a student, illustrating smoke rising from the building. Although the school had scheduled a fire drill during the first week of school, staff and students were not expecting an actual fire on the first day. The emergency response and evacuation procedures were reportedly carried out effectively, with firefighters noting the importance of communication and adherence to safety protocols during emergencies.
A building and electrical inspector will continue evaluating the damage to determine necessary repairs and upgrades. School officials have also indicated that safety enhancements may be considered in light of this incident. The incident underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety checks, especially in facilities with complex electrical systems like solar panels.
Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan praised the quick evacuation and the effectiveness of communication between staff and emergency responders. He highlighted the challenges posed by solar panels that remain active while exposed to sunlight, complicating firefighting efforts but emphasizing the importance of proper emergency procedures.
While the building sustained some damage, officials confirmed that the incident was contained without injury, and the school community will continue to prioritize safety as students and staff return to their daily routines.
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