The Las Cruces Fire Department quickly extinguished a small fire inside Central Elementary School.
Firefighters were dispatched just after 10 a.m. Thursday morning to Central Elementary School in reference to a fire alarm. Las Cruces Fire Engine One arrived on scene to find the school had already evacuated. The firefighters made entry into the school and noticed light smoke, while searching; the firefighters encountered a large amount of black smoke coming from a girl’s restroom. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and ensured no further damage was done.
Central Elementary School personnel evacuated the school and accounted for all students and personnel. Las Cruces Public Schools Facility personnel assisted with removing the smoke from the building so that classes could resume in a timely manner.
Las Cruces Public Schools officials along with Las Cruces Fire Department determined that classes could continue for the day after all the smoke was removed. The fire was determined to be caused by a student at the school. Parents were notified and the child was released to the parents. Preliminary fire damage was estimated to be over $2,000.
Las Cruces Police Department and American Medical Response assisted with traffic control and medical standby. No injuries were reported.