Investigation Continues Into Maple Grove Junior High Science Class Fire

It’s been about a month since a science class fire at Maple Grove Junior High and the investigation into the incident continues.

The flash fire, which reportedly happened during a science class methanol demonstration on Dec. 1, burned four students causing the students to be hospitalized. Three students were released the same day. Student Dane Neuberger sustained severe burns, according to media reports, and was released from the hospital the weekend after the incident occurred. Neuberger returned to school Jan. 3, the first time since the incident, according Barbara Olson, school/community relations director.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Osseo School District did not provide a timeline as to when the investigation into the incident would be completed. Minnesota State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Kristine Chapin said the investigation was “moving slowly."

Maple Grove Junior High Science teacher Matthew Achor remains on paid administrative leave, pending outcome of the investigation.

Olson said an audit on the science curriculum in the district would be completed by approximately mid-March.

The particular demonstration used in the Maple Grove Junior High classroom was suspended across the Osseo School District immediately after the incident occurred. Superintendent Kate Maguire about the incident at a Dec. 6 School Board meeting, saying the demonstration would be suspended until the district “can complete a curriculum audit of science demonstrations and student experiments.”

“We will evaluate current safety protocol and determine additional measures that may be needed,” she said.