Staff and students were safely evacuated during an early morning fire at Alberni District Secondary School on May 8. The fire was spotted prior to the start of the school day.
The Port Alberni Fire Department along with the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Cherry Creek Fire Department and the Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the structure fire.
ADSS, located at 4000 Roger Street, opened in 2012. It is equipped with a fire suppression system, which, according to the Pacific Rim School District, was activated. Fire fighters were on scene within minutes.
“While the specific cause of the fire is still under investigation, we can confirm that the building will remain closed for the remainder of the day to allow for cleanup,” reads a school district statement.
The school will reopen May 9 for classes, except for a small room located near the source of the fire that requires additional remediation.
“We are deeply grateful for the rapid response and professionalism of the Port Alberni Fire Department and the surrounding fire departments who also responded, as well as the quick actions of our staff in ensuring everyone’s safety and minimizing damage,” stated the Pacific Rim School District.
Located on the ḥaḥuułi of the cišaaʔatḥ and Hupačasath, ADSS has approximately 1300 students with a staff of 107. Students from several Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations are enrolled at ADSS.
