By Kim McDarison
The Fort Atkinson Fire Department was dispatched to Purdy Elementary School in Fort Atkinson Friday after receiving reports of smoke in the building.
Fort Atkinson Fire Department Division Chief Tom Gerondale said that the department was dispatched at 11:28 a.m., and, while on route, was advised by the Fort Atkinson Police Department, which also responded to the call, that there “may be fire in the building.”
Upon arrival, Gerondale said, firefighters found students completing an evacuation process. Students were taken to Luther Elementary School, located across the street from Purdy, while firefighters investigated the building.
Upon investigation, Gerondale noted, firefighters determined that the smoke was coming from Room No. 47, and that it was related to some of the equipment in the room.
He described the malfunctioning equipment as office-related.
Gerondale said the school district’s staff, including IT-related personnel, planned to look into the various pieces of equipment in the room to determine which piece or pieces may have been malfunctioning.
While on scene, Gerondale said, the department worked in conjunction with School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent Rob Abbott and a decision was made that the Purdy students should finish their lunch at Luther Elementary before returning to their building and resuming their school day.
Firefighters ventilated the school building to reduce any odor of smoke before students returned to the building, Gerondale said.
Students were scheduled to return at 1 p.m.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 12:30 p.m., Gerondale said.
About a dozen firefighters responded to the call, he added.
The fire department also released a statement, as shared by Purdy Elementary School staff, on its Facebook page, noting that the building was safe for the students to return.
“Please know, after investigation, students and staff were not in danger but followed the proper protocols to ensure safety. District staff in conjunction with the Fort Atkinson Fire and Police Department will continue to investigate the piece of equipment that malfunctioned. We thank our Purdy team members for their dedication to protecting their students, and their swift action to initiate our fire evacuation protocols. Additionally, we thank the Fort Atkinson Fire and Police Department for their quick response and support,” the Facebook post shared by Purdy staff and reposted on the Fire Department’s Facebook page, read.
This story may be updated.
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