A ceiling fire broke out on the second floor of the shared West Bend East and West Bend West high schools building early Wednesday morning, forcing both schools to close for the day while fire crews worked the scene. The fire department was on hand and responding as officials moved to check the building's systems before anyone could be allowed back inside.
West Bend East and West high schools were closed Wednesday, Nov. 4, after the fire broke out in the ceiling on the second floor of the building the two schools share, according to WISN. The outlet reported that its News Chopper 12 flew over the school around 6:45 a.m. and captured firefighters and other first responders stationed outside the building as the response unfolded.
As reported by TMJ4, the fire department was confirmed on scene at the high school Wednesday. The station's report also noted that information about the incident came from the West Bend High School principal and district superintendent.
Why the Building Stayed Closed
School officials closed the building as a precaution while inspecting systems, including HVAC and mechanical equipment, to assess potential damage, per the FOX6 report. That same account described the fire department as on scene and responding to the situation as inspections got underway.
The decision to keep students and staff out for the day reflected a cautious approach rather than any confirmed extent of damage. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage had not been released, the same WISN report noted, leaving those details unresolved as of Wednesday.
School Leaders Thank First Responders
West Bend High School leaders said that the safety of students and staff was their top priority. In a statement reported by WISN, leaders said, “The safety of our students and staff is our priority. We are grateful to our local fire department and first responders for their quick response and assistance.”
The closure affected both the East and West campuses housed in the shared building, underscoring how a single fire in one part of the structure was enough to shut down classes across the combined school. No further details on the fire's origin or the scope of any damage had surfaced as the morning response continued.
