Doherty Fire Will Have 'Minimal Impact' On School Construction

WORCESTER, MA — A Monday fire at the Doherty High School construction site did not cause heavy damage, which means the school is still on track for a 2024 opening, according to Worcester Public Schools officials.

Worcester Superintendent Rachel Monarrez said Thursday that structural engineers had completed an assessment of the structure and did not find any damage.

"Update from structural engineers and construction co. re: Doherty HS fire shows no structural damage with minimal impact on timeline and costs," Monarrez tweeted Thursday.

The fire broke out just before 3:30 p.m. Monday at the construction site along Highland Street. A welding accident set a stack of roofing insulation on fire, according to city officials. The fire sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky, visible from across the city and surrounding towns.

The Worcester Fire Department said a permit for "hot work" on the site had expired, and department officials were working on a new safety plan with construction supervisors.

One person was taken to the hospital after the fire for injuries officials said were not serious.

Construction on the over-$300 million new school broke ground last November, and should be finished by 2024. The new Doherty is located next door to the old Doherty, which is still in use.