At about 8:20 a.m., Salem Fire/Rescue units are responding to a report of a supervisory fire alarm at Central High School in Paddock Lake.
UPDATE 8:24 a.m. — Command unit on scene initially reports that no signs of smoke or fire seen from two sides of the building and that evacuation is under way. He then reported that alarm was believed to be from a smoke detector in the industrial arts area and that firefighters were going there to investigate.
UPDATE 8:27 a.m. — Fire command unit reports that smoke detector was set off by welding. No fire. People can re-enter the building.
The members of the Town of Salem Fire and Rescue would like to thank the staff and students of Central High School for their professional actions during this fire alarm.
As we have worked with Central High School over the school year through fire inspections and exit drills it has become apparent that the safety of staff and students is paramount in the minds of the school administration.
The orderly evacuation of the school and unified investigation of this alarm allowed for the rapid identification of the problem and we were able to return students to their classroom knowing they were safe.
We continue to strive to provide a safe environment for the students and staff at all of the schools in our response area. We appreciate all of their efforts.