Fire Breaks Out at Lunenburg Middle/High School

News Summary

On the first day back from summer break, Lunenburg Middle/High School was evacuated due to a fire on the roof’s solar panels. Witnesses reported black smoke, and students were evacuated early as firefighters extinguished the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and classes are expected to resume soon. Investigation points to an electrical malfunction as the cause.

Lunenburg – Lunenburg Middle/High School was evacuated on Tuesday, marking the first day back from summer break, due to a fire that erupted on the building’s roof solar panels just after 11 a.m. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among students or staff during the incident.

Witnesses reported seeing black smoke pouring from the back of the building. Initial reactions from some students included confusion about whether it was a fire drill, as they observed actual smoke and heard sirens approaching. As a precaution, students were evacuated and dismissed early following the emergency, allowing them to safely exit the premises.

Firefighters responded promptly to the scene, with visible fire damage observed on at least five solar panels installed on the roof. It took approximately 15-20 minutes to extinguish the blaze using dry chemical extinguishers, a necessity since water cannot be used on fires involving solar panels. During the event, minor damage was also noted on the roof of the school’s weight room, which fortunately was unoccupied at the time.

Lunenburg Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan commented on the situation, explaining that solar panels can continue to produce electricity when exposed to sunlight, which added a layer of complexity to their response. A building and electrical inspector has been called to assess the structure’s safety to ensure that it meets all regulations and guidelines.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest an electrical malfunction, likely stemming from wear and tear or a short circuit, may have been the catalyst for the blaze. In light of this incident, classes are expected to resume the following day, Wednesday.

Superintendent of Schools Jodi Fortuna expressed her relief that no one was injured and commended the staff for their efficient handling of emergency procedures. It is noteworthy that a fire drill was scheduled for the first week of school, although no one anticipated an actual fire would occur on the first day.

Chief Sullivan praised the swift evacuation and clear communication throughout the incident, emphasizing that the personnel adhered to the established emergency plans effectively. He also noted that the school building is approximately eight years old, contributing to an assessment of safety standards following this incident.

A video recorded by a student captured the dramatic moment as smoke began to rise from the building, showcasing a scene that quickly escalated into an emergency response. The rapid action of both students and emergency services no doubt prevented a more significant crisis during a time of anticipated celebration as students returned for another school year.

In summary, students at Lunenburg Middle/High School faced an unexpected incident on their first day back, but the effective response ensured their safety and minimized damage to the property. With investigations underway and classes set to resume, the school community is looking forward to a smooth continuation of the academic year.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WCVB: Solar Panel Fire at Lunenburg High
• Wikipedia: Emergency Preparedness
• CBS News: Fire Breaks Out at Lunenburg School
• Google Search: Lunenburg School Fire
• WHDH: Fire at Lunenburg School
• Google Scholar: Solar Panel Fires
• Patch: First Day Cut Short at Lunenburg School
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
• Telegram: Lunenburg Students Dismissed Early
• Google News: Lunenburg School Fire