Fire Department responds to Washington Elementary after ventilation malfunction

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the Charles City Fire Department responded to a fire call at Washington Elementary after a problem with the kitchen’s ventilation system triggered the school’s smoke alarm.

CCFD Fire Chief Eric Whipple said a malfunction of an air handler on the roof above the school’s kitchen produced an electrical-type smell.

Two fire engines were on the scene about 12:10 p.m.

“We responded with a couple of trucks — an engine and an aerial,” said Whipple.

Whipple said maintenance checked on the air handler and it was determined there was no sign of fire in the building or on the roof.

Students and staff evacuated the school and were allowed back inside after about 15 minutes after it was deemed safe to re-enter the building, according to Whipple.