Update: Fire Alarm Puzzles Students, Teachers

Students and teachers had an unexpected recess Wednesday during 5th period.

A day after students and staff were left outside for most of 5th period Wednesday, we now know what caused the fire alarm to unexpectedly activate around 10:15 a.m. "It turned out to be a faulty alarm head in a storage room," said assistant principal Mr. Rose in an e-mail to building staff.

A preplanned fire drill during 2nd period, shortly after 8 a.m., evacuated the building for a few short minutes. But the alarm was activated again around 10:15 a.m. unexpectedly. Within moments of the alarm activation, the St. James Fire Department was notified of the situation and began to gather their crews. Minutes later the fire department arrived on scene with at least two fire engines, one rescue truck and an ambulance. From the south side of the building the trucks could be seen entering the campus but then disappeared behind the north side of the building.

Witnesses on the north side of the building tell The Matador Online the situation remained calm as officials and fire crews searched the area.

The notification of the fire department is a routine measure taken when the alarm is unexpectedly activated.

Shortly before 11 a.m. the 'all clear' was given and students and staff were allowed to reenter the building. No one was injured during Wednesday's incident.