Maplewood: Fire Forces Evacuation of Columbia High School

A fire at Columbia High School in Maplewood forced an evacuation of students and staff on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a report, the fire began around 12:35 p.m., when students smelled smoke in the school’s A wing.

Maplewood police and fire responders arrived on the scene shortly after school officials evacuated the building.

The school was reopened at 1 p.m., after authorities declared the building safe, a report stated.

Maplewood Fire Department Chief Michael R. Dingelstedt told Essex County Place that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning fan.