Eagle Elementary School fire being investigated by officials

An early morning fire at Eagle Elementary School has prompted cleanup efforts, including in the school’s library where many devices and books were. Items have been moved off-campus for restoration, and officials are working to make sure the upcoming school year, which starts on Sept. 5, is not disrupted. (Photo submitted)

By Ryan Spoehr

Staff Writer

Palmyra-Eagle School District officials are working to ensure the start of the upcoming school year is not disrupted after an early morning fire last week at Eagle Elementary School.

According to officials, a fire that started shortly before 3 a.m. on July 13 caused significant smoke damage to Eagle Elementary School, and has prompted a cleanup effort that includes moving materials off campus for possible restoration.

“Obviously, we are appreciative there are no injuries,” District Administrator Steve Bloom said.

After the school’s alarm system was triggered, the Eagle Fire Department was dispatched to scene and found the smoke. The fire was contained before extensive damage was done.

The Eagle Police Departments and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, as well as the Eagle, North Prairie, Troy Center, Mukwonago, Western Lakes, Wales-Genesee, Town of Waukesha and Lake Country fire departments responded to the scene, Eagle Fire Captain Scott Kugel said. Bloom said he was appreciative of the quick response of local departments and district maintenance employess.

“I think there are a couple positives,” Bloom said. “One, all our systems functioned properly, and two, we had several law enforcement and fire officials on the scene. They all responded promptly.”

The fire is still being investigated, and a cause and cost of the damage is not yet known.

“At this time, an investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the fire. It is known that significant smoke damage has occurred in the building, but the full extent is, as yet, unknown,” Bloom said a press release issued after the incident.

Access to the school has been restricted to only those with training to be in a smoke-damaged area, according to the release.

While there is not much fire damage being reported, Bloom said there is smoke-related damage to almost the entire building, and many of the materials used for learning.

A room-by-room removal of furnishings, curricular and instructional materials has been ongoing. Wauwatosa-based Kelmann Restoration has been on site and has moved technology devices, books and other curriculum-related items off campus as a part of the cleanup. Anything deemed hazardous and/or unusable will not be returned to the school, according to the release.

Bloom said with the prompt response by local officials and the time of year in which the incident occurred, the fire could have been much worse.

“Given that it’s July, we are not relocating classes or teachers,” Bloom said, adding summer school programs ended several weeks ago.

However, important dates for the upcoming school year are on the horizon and are not being overlooked, Bloom said.

With so many unknowns at this time, Bloom and district officials are developing contingency plans in case they are needed.

“One thing we were gearing up for is registration. I cannot confirm this, but we may hold that at a different location and possibly a different date,” Bloom said.

The first day of the upcoming school year is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5.

“Everything is geared toward the first day of school,” Bloom said. “I have been given assurances that every effort is being made that there will be class the first day of school. Everyone is fairly confident that we will be up and going the first day of school.”

Bloom said he and district officials will update the public on the aftermath of the fire as warranted.

Comments are closed.