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VIDEO: New auditorium at Southmoore High School catches fire
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The Moore fire department responded to a fire 1:27 p.m. Friday at Southmoore High School.
Two fire engines, a ladder truck, fire chief, assistant fire chief, fire Marshal and assistant fire marshal responded to the fire, said Gary Bird, Moore deputy chief.
“Everyone that was on duty,” he said.
The fire was contained in the balcony area of the auditorium, Bird said. The sprinkler system was activated and had the fire “pretty much extinguished,” Bird said.
The school did everything right, he said. Students were evacuated safely. There were no injuries to students, staff or emergency workers.
Deputy superintendent Suzie Pierce said school was dismissed early Friday since it was near dismissal time. Normally school is dismissed at 2:55 p.m.
“Late this afternoon, smoke was reported in the building and, of course, students were evacuated,” Pierce said. “The fire was quickly extinguished and once the fire was out, students were allowed to come in and get their belongings.”
Pierce also said the auditorium had smoke and water damage. She did not know the extent but said everywhere else appeared to be okay.
Rick Storm, a junior at Southmoore, said he was in history class upstairs and across from the auditorium when he was dismissed.
“Three or four students were in the balcony of the auditorium during drama class when they noticed the fire and pulled the fire alarm,” Storm said.
The drama department has been rehearsing for “Oklahoma!” which they had planned to perform March 2 to 6. A dress rehearsal was to be held this morning.
Although Southmoore opened its school doors last year, the auditorium was not finished and the drama students performed Cinderella at Westmoore High School.
Malinda Dennison, Southmoore drama teacher said she and her students were really excited to rehearse and perform at their own school.
She could not be reached to confirm today’s dress rehearsal or school production.
Cause of the fire is under investigation, Bird said.
Peggy Laizure366-3545plaizure@normantranscript.com
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