'Smoke Event' Empties Hillsborough High School

Hillsborough High School classes were interrupted for about 35 minutes Monday after liquid from a leaking air conditioning unit came in contact with an electrical motor, producing smoke.

Officials said there was no fire, but the school was evacuated at 12:05 p.m. because of the smoke in one of the art wing classrooms.

Firefighters responded and permitted students to return to class at 12:40 p.m.  

"The students were extremely cooperative during this evacuation, and I want to thank them for allowing us to do what was necessary as they patiently waited to return to their classes," Principal Karen Bingert said in an emergency message sent by the district about the incident.