Sedgewick School breaks out in fire

A fire broke out in the Sedgewick Public School on Wed. evening, Aug. 14.

Approximately 30 firefighters from Sedgewick, Hardisty, and Killam attended the scene as well as EMS and RCMP.

Killam Fire Chief Joe Knievel reported that no one was injured during the blaze and that a cause has yet to be determined.

The call came in at 7:30 p.m.

Initial knockdown of the fire took roughly 15 minutes but crews did not leave the scene until 10:30 p.m.

William Klassen, Sedgewick School Principal informed parents of the current situation.

Fire inspectors, structural engineers, electrical engineers, air quality specialists and other people will be visiting the school to inspect all aspects of the facility.

“They will help us determine the extent of damage and the repairs that are needed. Our preliminary information indicates that the fire was contained mostly to the roof of the elementary wing,” said Klassen.

The interior of the elementary area has suffered water damage.

The entire school smells like smoke.

“Over the next few days we will support the investigators in doing their work and begin to put plans in place for making the necessary repairs, based on their findings,” he said.

The safety of students and staff is a top priority.

He continued, “Right now, our expectations for the first day of school on September 3 are: The high school and junior high sections of the school should be available for use, as long as we can ensure the air quality is acceptable. We will have a plan for elementary students.”

Timelines for repair should become clear next week.

“A lot of things can happen in a few weeks, so our plans will evolve as classrooms are cleaned and repaired. We will continue to share updates through our School Messenger program and our school website as new information becomes available,” said Klassen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terri Huxley

ECA Review