Wayland Student Honored After Extinguishing Fire In High School Classroom

WAYLAND, MA — A Wayland High School student was recognized this week after his quick response helped put out a classroom fire.

Wayland Public Safety officials presented Griffin McNeilly with a certificate of recognition during a Scout meeting Wednesday evening, Fire Chief Neil McPherson told Patch. The 15-year-old is a member of Scouting Troop 1 Cochituate.

During a jewelry and metalworking class Tuesday morning, a fire broke out after an acetylene torch was used. McNeilly jumped into action, using a building extinguisher to help put out the fire.

At least one person was hospitalized after the fire. The student, who suffered burns, has since been treated and released.

Everyone was allowed to return to the building Tuesday after the incident, and the school was deemed safe for students. Chief McPherson also said the torch has been removed from the building and is not currently in use.

"We are very appreciative of Griffin and his actions to help mitigate this emergency incident. When Griffin saw the fire he did not hesitate to use a fire extinguisher to help protect others," Chief McPherson told Patch. "We applaud the local Scout troop for providing Griffin with fire extinguisher training, and feel it is important that members of the public are educated on fire extinguisher use."

See Also:

• Wayland Public Schools Among Best In MA, New Ranking Says
• Wayland Awarded $495K For MBTA District Wastewater Planning