Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Middle School Room Fills With Smoke After Hours

The smoke was caused by a hotplate that was left plugged in, a school official confirmed. The fire department responded to the scene and determined there was no fire.

 

Swampscott firefighters responded to a report of smoke in a l room at 5:45 pm Monday, the smoke a result of a hotplate left plugged into an electrical outlet in a science lab.

Firefighters were directed to the back of the Forest Avenue building and entered Door 5 into a shop-like classroom with a lot of smoke in it, said Lt. Bob Surette.

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A custodian told firefighters he thought the smoke was coming from a ventilation duct, the lieutenant said.

Soon thereafter another custodian arrived and explained that, earlier, he had found a hot plate plugged into an electrical outlet in the room and unplugged it, Surette said. 

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School District Business Manager Ed Cronin confirmed that the smoke was caused by the hot plate.

Hot plates are used in science experiments and lab work.

Middle School students use the room for underwater programs including robotics, the business manager said.

Firefighters determined there was no fire but remained at the scene while smoke ventilated from the building.

Police had evacuated the building, including the gym, as a precaution, according to police radio reports.

Lynn and Marblehead firefighters were on their way to provide mutual aid, but Swampscott told them to cancel the response before they arrived.


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