300 to 400 People Evacuate West Salem High School

The fire had been caused by a malfunction of the boiler.

Salem-News.com

(WEST SALEM) - Hundreds were evacuated from West Salem High School tonight just before 7:00 PM, as Salem Firefighters responded to an alarm sounding at the school located at 1776 Titan Drive NW in West Salem.

Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says that when engine 5 arrived, a school employee told them the smoke was coming from inside the boiler room.

Holmstrom says that when firefighters entered the boiler room they discovered smoke all they way to ground level. They requested a 1st alarm assignment at that point, sending 3 Engines, a Ladder Truck, Medic Unit and Battalion Chief.

Firefighters continued to evacuate the school while searching for the source of the fire. Then a fire inside an electrical room on the floor above the boiler room was located.

"Firefighters investigated this and discovered smoke but no fire inside the electrical room," Holmstrom said.

"After all the smoke was ventilated it was determined that there was no active fire inside the boiler room. The fire had been caused by a malfunction of the boiler. The boiler was shut down and the smoke dissipated."

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No injuries were reported Holmstrom said. The school was closed for the evening. Damage was limited to the boiler itself.