High school hit by blaze
Lisa Hodge • Published 1 Feb 2011 14:00
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HUNDREDS of school kids had to be sent home yesterday morning after a blaze broke out at Notre Dame High in Greenock - throwing a crucial exam timetable into chaos.
Pupils and staff were evacuated from the school when a fuse box caught fire, shutting down the power supply.
The Tele understands senior school pupils had been due to sit prelim exams, but those were cancelled due to the drama.
Emergency services were called to the school, pictured, in Dempster Street, just after 10am when smoke was reported coming from electrical equipment.
Three fire engines carrying 15 firefighters attended the scene and found a fault had sparked a small blaze. ScottishPower was also summoned in a bid to restore the power supply.
Watch Commander Edward Gallagher, of Greenock fire station, said: "We were called to a fire at Notre Dame High School around 10.15am. We arrived to find a small fire had broken out within a small confined space housing only electrical equipment. The fire had been caused by an electrical fault and was extinguished within 10 minutes by two firefighters in breathing apparatus.
"We were on hand for around 45 minutes securing the area until ScottishPower arrived."
A spokeswoman for ScottishPower said: "We received a call from the school at 10.22am. A link box was blowing fuses and repairs were carried out. We apologise for any inconvenience."
Inverclyde Council bosses confirmed the school will remain closed today - and said it's hoped prelim exams will take place on Wednesday at a different location. A spokeswoman added: "Following a power surge, damage has been sustained to the circuit boards at Notre Dame High School.
"As a result of this damage, the school currently does not have an electrical supply which means that there is no lighting or heating. Therefore, a decision was taken to send the children and staff home.
"We are currently working with ScottishPower to assess the damage and look to put a plan in place to fix it, with Scottish Power working on site overnight.
"Notre Dame High School will remain closed today. Arrangements are currently being made to ensure minimal disruption to all staff and pupils, and in particular for those currently sitting prelim exams.
"It is hoped that prelim exams will recommence on Wednesday 2 February at an alternative location."
Updates will be posted on the council's website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 01 Feb 11
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