Chandigarh: Sector 38 school declares holiday after minor fire breaks out

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 13

A minor fire broke out at Vivek High School in Sector 38 here early in the morning before it opened for students, forcing the management to declare a holiday.

According to the Fire Department, the fire occurred due to a short circuit in the air conditioner in a classroom. The fire was extinguished in two minutes. A fire tender from the Sector 38 fire station was pressed into service to control the situation.

A school official said thick layer of smoke emerged after a short circuit. Following the protocol, the administrative officials immediately dialled the emergency numbers.

As a precautionary measure, the school management declared a holiday for the students.

“The incident was reported around 7.15 am before the school opened for the day. The primary reason is believed to be a short circuit in one of the ACs. All protocols and mandatory drills were followed. It was decided to close the school for today, so that students and parents don’t panic. We are following all protocols to inspect the premises for fire safety,” said HS Mamik, chairman of the school.

Staff, students hadn’t arrived

No damage to property or human loss was reported. No staff or student had arrived at the time of the incident as they were provided prior information about a holiday having been declared, said the school authorities.