Lunenburg Students Evacuated as Solar Panel Fire Erupts
UPDATE: A fire broke out today, September 5, 2023, at Lunenburg Middle High School, forcing the evacuation of students on their first day back to school. The incident, sparked by a malfunctioning solar panel, sent thick black smoke billowing from the roof just after 11 a.m.
Students were in the middle of their lunch period when the alarm sounded. Senior Paige Daley expressed disbelief, stating, “It’s so ironic. This is the first day of senior year, and the school is on fire.” Fellow senior Tatum Furman described the chaotic scene: “We came outside, and all of a sudden, we’re seeing black smoke and we hear the fire trucks.”
Emergency responders received the call when a maintenance staff member noticed smoke emanating from the roof. Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan reported that firefighters quickly identified the source: “We found a fire in the solar panels at the rear of the building. Five panels were damaged and burning.”
Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control in approximately 15 minutes, extinguishing both the panels and the roof area without significant damage to the interior of the building. Chief Sullivan explained the unique challenges of battling a solar panel fire, noting the importance of using non-conductive agents: “Water conducts electricity, so we had to be very careful.”
Students were dismissed early, with many taking buses home while others waited for their parents. Superintendent Jodi Fortuna praised the staff’s response, stating, “I am so grateful that no one was injured. Everything went according to our emergency plans.”
The fire is currently under investigation, with officials looking into a possible electrical issue as the cause. Classes are set to resume tomorrow, September 6, 2023, as students and staff prepare to return to a safe environment.
This developing story highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in schools and the quick actions of first responders that prevented potential injuries. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.
