North Penn HS Fire Under Control, Extent of Damage Unclear

LANSDALE, PA -- North Penn High School was evacuated and its students dismissed from campus Tuesday as a two-alarm fire was reported in the building, according to fire officials and the school district.

The blaze was in the ceiling of the band room, behind the auditorium, according to PhillyFireNews.com.

Flames first broke out at 11:33 a.m., according to Montco Active Incidents.

Units from several surrounding municipalities are on the scene, including Towamencin Volunteer Fire Company.

Two alarms have been rung for the fire, and crews continued to battle the blaze as of 12:36 p.m. The fire was eventually brought under control in the early afternoon.

The extent of the damage to the school is not yet known, the school district said in a statement:

Responders need to clear the building of smoke and the school needs to be inspected before anyone can re-enter. We understand that it may be an inconvenience for people who want to retrieve belongings from the building. As soon as we can allow this to happen we will let you know. Your patience and cooperation as we ensure everyone’s safety is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the emergency responders, staff and students for their cooperation today as well.

It is not yet clear what precisely caused the blaze.

Previous updates:

Students gathered outside the school immediately after the evacuation as news helicopters swarmed overhead, according to eyewitness reports.

The school district announced at 12:26 p.m. that students were going to eventually be dismissed for the day, but urged parents not to come to pick anyone up at the actual school so that roads remained clear for emergency vehicles.

Students were being relocated to the soccer fields at 12:46 p.m. Parents were told to pick children up at the Calvary Baptist Parking Lot on the left side.

No injuries were reported.