Fire at Puyallup junior high school prompts closure for environmental testing
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ferrucci Junior High will close April 13–15 for environmental and air testing.
- Fire was in electrical room on main floor of school's new wing; sprinkler contained it.
- Three built-in make-up days set for May 22, June 17 and June 18 to restore instruction.
A Puyallup school will be closed next week because of damage from an April 4 fire.
In a statement on its website, the Puyallup School District said Ferrucci Junior High School will be closed from April 13 to 15 for environmental testing.
PSD is currently on spring break.
“This testing will help determine whether any surface contamination or air quality concerns exist beyond the immediate area of the fire and ensure appropriate remediation can take place,” the release said. “At this time, we have not received clearance for staff to re-enter the building, and additional time is needed to complete this work. … This closure applies to all students and programs. During this time, there will be no building access, transportation, meal service, school-based activities, or facility use.”
The district will compensate for the missed instructional days by using “three make-up days already built into the calendar,” which are May 22, June 17 and June 18.
“This remains an evolving situation, and additional updates will be shared as we learn more,” the statement said. “We will continue to keep you informed and will provide another update by Wednesday, April 15, or sooner, as more information becomes available.”
The News Tribune previously reported on the fire, which started around 6:15 a.m. on April 4, when authorities found out about a smoke alarm going off at the school.
Crews from Central Pierce Fire and Rescue arrived and found smoke and water damage to the building, CPFR posted on Facebook. The school’s sprinkler system kept the fire from spreading.
No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, CPFR said. In the post, CPFR said it was investigating the cause.
The News Tribune reached out to Brianna Stenstrom, spokesperson for CPFR, on April 8 for updates on the investigation into the cause but did not immediately receive a response.
In its statement, the district said the fire was in the “electrical room on the main floor of the school’s new wing.”
“The fire was contained to that area, and we’re grateful for the swift response of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue,” the post said. “... We recognize this situation is disruptive for families and appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we work to ensure a safe return to school.”
For updates on Ferrucci Junior High, visit fjh.puyallupsd.org.
