Dear students, staff, families and community,
Earlier this evening, February 8, 2023, the fire suppression sprinklers inside Blaine Middle School (975 H St.) activated. Responders from North Whatcom Fire and Rescue determined there had been a small fire in a room off the cafeteria which was extinguished by the suppression system. A small number of students and staff were in the building at the time of the alarm, and all successfully evacuated themselves upon hearing the alarm. No one was injured.
Although the fire appears to have been related to a microwave, the school district has not yet received an official report regarding the cause of the fire.
The incident was isolated to an area of the building that is on a separate ventilation system. In consultation with North Whatcom Fire and Rescue we have determined it is safe to continue school in areas not impacted by tonight’s events. Classes at Blaine Middle School will begin on time tomorrow, and they will follow an adjusted schedule until the impacted areas can be utilized. Middle School students will be served grab and go breakfast outside the middle school cafeteria and lunch through the high school cafeteria on the adjusted schedule. If any family chooses to keep their student at home tomorrow due to health issues or other concerns related to tonight’s incident, please be sure to communicate with the school’s office.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger, Superintendent
Each Student. Each Day.