Please refer to the following details below for an Airdrie Fire Department response on May 5, 2022.
Time of call: 10:46 a.m.
Reported as: Fire in local high school
Location: St. Martin de Porres High School on Yankee Valley Boulevard
AFD resources: 5 apparatus and 13 firefighters
Injuries: None reported
Additional response details:
• Prior to AFD arrival, 670 students and 70 staff members had safely evacuated the building and were gathered at the school’s designated muster area.
• Upon entering the building, AFD located the fire which was quickly extinguished. Heavy smoke conditions were present and AFD remains on scene to continue ventilation efforts.
• The Fire Prevention Bureau is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
• Due to the amount of smoke, the school was closed for the remainder of the day and students were sent home or transported to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in alignment with the school’s emergency response plan.
• Parents of students are asked NOT to go to the school. Displaced students may be picked up at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Main Street.
• AFD would like to commend the quick and efficient evacuation actions of students and staff.
May 6, 2022 Update
• Fire Prevention Bureau has completed a fire investigation
• The cause of the fire was from a 'set fire' or arson.
• Damage estimates are approximately $20,000.
• The RCMP are continuing the investigation.
Media inquiries and requests for further information can be directed to the Airdrie RCMP.