Students and staff at Lunenburg Middle High School in Massachusetts found their return to school today cut short due to an unexpected rooftop blaze. As reported by NBC Boston, the incident prompted an early dismissal after authorities discovered a fire on the school building's roof.
The first day back from summer vacation was disrupted around noon when the fire was detected. The Lunenburg police confirmed that all students and staff were safe and accounted for no injuries were reported in either coverage. In a move to ease anxious parents, pickup details were communicated via email.
According to WCVB, aerial footage captured firefighters tackling what appeared to be a solar panel fire. The damage was visible on several panels, though firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in approximately 15-20 minutes using dry chemical extinguishers, due to the inability to use water on solar panel fires.
Besides the harm done to the solar panels, the school sustained some minor damage; the full extent, however, remains under investigation. The school has not yet announced if classes are to resume tomorrow. Students who were gathered outside the building were observed being directed toward buses for early departure as fire crews continued their work amid the mangled energy apparatus.
