Small Fire at Rye Elementary Results in Evacuation
A small fire at Rye Elementary resulted in a short evacuation and some cleanup, but had little other effect.
Rye Fire Protection District Fire Chief Steve Bennett reported the call came in to them at 10:12 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8. Bennett said, “We were dispatched for a general alarm at the Rye Elementary School, and it was a full alarm response from Rye Fire. Upon our arrival, the school was evacuated, and we were told there was a fire in the bathroom. The fire was extinguished, and we ensured the fire was out and cooled off the burned area. The damaged area from the actual fire was contained to the restroom, which was approximately 80 square feet. There was possible smoke damage throughout the hallway.”
The bathroom sustained considerable damage and was deemed unusable until repairs can be made. Smoke filled the entire building and the fire department had to vent the building, which took approximately two hours.
Emails were sent to the parents of the students, the first going out at about 10:30 a.m. advising them of the fire and the evacuation; and later giving an update that the fire was extinguished and students were going back into the building. Early pick-up was offered but it was the parents’ choice.
According to Lynnette Bonfiglio, District 70 Public Information Officer, “All students and staff were safe and remained on campus. Students and staff were evacuated until the building was cleared by the fire department. Families were offered an early pick-up option, but regular dismissals occurred. Damage was limited to a toilet paper dispenser, and cleanup was needed in the affected bathroom. Smoke alarms required maintenance.”
After the building was vented, the school was opened back up with the exception of the hallway where the restroom was located. This was due to the smell and the area needed cleaning
