Flames and billowing smoke disrupted the day at Kearsley High School yesterday as a fire broke out at the school's new recreation center, prompting an evacuation and early dismissal of students. Genesee Township Fire Department responded to the blaze that reportedly began with a gas generator on the school's rooftop, officials told WWJ Newsradio.
The incident occurred shortly before noon, with local authorities swiftly directing students to safety. "First responders are on site and, following the guidance of the fire chief, all students have been evacuated to the auditorium," Kearsley Community Schools officials announced in a Facebook post, as per WWJ Newsradio. Due to the quick response, no injuries were reported as confirmed by the fire department and school officials. Students were permitted to leave the premises, beginning with student drivers at 12:10 p.m., followed by a coordinated dismissal for other students, ABC12 reported.
Witnesses recounted hearing a sound consistent with an explosion, accompanying a thick smoke cloud that became visible throughout the Flint area. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the recreation center, which was under construction following a $21 million bond approval, remains under investigation. The detailed account of the incident, which began around 11:20 a.m., became the focus of attention across local news outlets and community discussions.
Kearsley Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gaudard expressed gratitude for the rapid action taken by responders and the adherence to safety protocols by students and staff. "Our students and staff also did a tremendous job in following our emergency protocols, utilizing our safety communications and remaining calm throughout this incident," Gaudard said in a statement, according to Kearsley Community Schools. The superintendent assured that the fire was thoroughly extinguished and that classes would resume on Friday, January 10th, evidence of the community's resolve in the face of unexpected emergencies.
