Fire At Waltham High School Prompts Evacuation, Amended Schedule

WALTHAM, MA — A small fire that started from within a heating unit this morning at the high school prompted an evacuation, and an amended schedule today, according to the Superintendent of Schools Drew Echelson.

Students were evacuated safely and the fire was quickly contained, he said. Fire officials arrived just before 11:30 a.m. The building was cleared by the fire department and students were allowed back in the building by 11:45 a.m. As a result there was a slightly amended schedule that had a minimal impact on student schedules.

A motor malfunction caused smoke in a specific classroom, which in turn sparked the alarm.

"Staff responded quickly and appropriately," said the superintendent in an email to reporters. Students and staff in that class were reassigned for the day while the unit was repaired. As of 1:50 p.m. a new motor is in place. And that classroom will be ready for Monday morning, according to school officials.

"I would also like to commend our students and staff on the manner in which they safely and efficiently exited the building as well as the Waltham Fire Department for their quick response," said Christopher Gelinas, Housemaster in an email to families after the incident.

The Fire Department was unable to immediately comment on the fire.

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