North Star Elementary canceled classes for the rest of Friday after light smoke was reported inside the Graham school. Students and teachers who were already in the building evacuated to nearby Bethel High School.
Fire crews were dispatched at about 7:42 a.m. and traced the smoke to an issue with the school's HVAC system, according to The News Tribune. Staff called 911 after noticing the smoke. The outlet's 9:01 a.m. update said North Star classes were canceled for the rest of the day.
Air Check Before Reopening
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue spokesperson Chief Steve Richards said crews planned to check the air inside North Star after clearing the smoke. He initially expected students could return within about an hour, according to the report; the outlet later reported that classes were canceled for the day.
The report did not specify how many students or staff members evacuated, or the precise cause of the HVAC trouble that produced the smoke.
Washington's School Air-Quality Guidance
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that schools have a written indoor environmental quality plan that includes indoor air quality. The guidance does not establish what plan or procedures were used at North Star Elementary.
