Fire causes at least $500K in damages at Donalda School
A fire caused at least $500,000 in damages at a school northeast of Red Deer.
There was a “small localized fire” in the Donalda School gymnasium wall at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Clearview Public Schools said in a statement.
The Stettler Regional Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, the school division noted.
“Due to smoke damage released throughout the school and the need for more clean up, the school will be closed for the remainder of this week and the entirety of next week,” Clearview Public said in the statement, which was released Thursday.
“This closure is necessary to ensure that our environment is safe for the return of students and staff.”
The fire is believed to have started due to faulty wiring in the school gym. An investigation will take place to verify the actual cause.
“Several staff members were in the building when this incident occurred, with one member calling 911 upon noticing the smoke. There were no students in the school when this incident occurred, and all staff were evacuated safely.”
School staff and administration are currently discussing plans for learning to occur in an alternate location until the school is deemed safe for classes to resume.
“The current plan would see students return to in-school classes after the Spring Break. The school gymnasium will require extensive repair and will be closed until further notice.”
The estimated costs to address the smoke damage includes at least $500,000 and will see “significant remediation” in the gym where the fire occurred.