Trashcan fire prompts evacuation during seventh period

A fire in the girls' bathroom in the 350s hallway triggered a fire alarm and prompted a school-wide evacuation at approximately 1:55 p.m. today.

The fire was set intentionally, according to Building Services Manager Reginald Tobin. "Somebody lit the trashcan on fire," he said.

Less than fifteen minutes before the end of seventh period, Magnet Biology teacher Angelique Bosse saw thick smoke outside her classroom, in the adjacent 360s hallway. Senior Natasha Coleman, a student in Bosse's class, said, "We saw people sprinting out of [a nearby] classroom."

Five engine companies, two ladder trucks, one rescue squad, one medic unit and a few fire chiefs arrived at Blair within ten minutes of the alarm sounding. The fire was contained to the bathroom, according to Rescue Chief Allan Platky. Before 2:30 p.m., the fire was extinguished and fans were used to ventilate the area. Platky said that investigators were expected to arrive at Blair because the situation was serious. Though it "may seem like a prank," Platky said, the fire had endangered several people.

According to Tobin, the damage was not severe and will require only that the restroom be closed. "It's enough damage to close the bathroom," he said.

Buses for regular students left according to schedule, at around 2:15 p.m. Students who remained entered the stadium. By 2:35 p.m., students with an eighth period were released from the stadium and allowed to leave school grounds. At 2:47 p.m., an announcement was made prohibiting staff and students from accessing the third floor. Students who left their belongings in their third floor classrooms were not allowed to retrieve them.

Towards the beginning of seventh period, Magnet teachers Ralph Bunday and David Stein noticed an extinguished fire in the girls' bathroom of the 310s hallway. The fire was reported by Magnet coordinator Eileen Steinkraus.

Ten minutes of seventh period will be held at the beginning of school tomorrow, Dec. 8.

According to the Blair Discipline Policy, the minimum consequence for arson is a ten-day suspension.