BCMS evacuated briefly today

BONNERS FERRY —- The Boundary County Middle School was evacuated earlier today due to reports of a gasoline smell from staff. School is back in session.

It was discovered that the gasoline smell did not originate from the middle school, but from a nearby facility, BCMS Principal Mark Fisk told the Herald. The smell was noted on the northside of the school and spread once it was sucked into the ventilation system intake.

At 9:01 a.m., during Badger Time, a fire drill was conducted to evacuate the building.

Fisk released a press release on the school’s social media page. He wrote that after being notified by a teacher that gas was smelled on the north end of the building.

“I immediately notified the Middle School's Maintenance employee and together we investigated the complaint,” he wrote. “As we did, more employees reported smelling the smell. This was quickly followed by students reporting a smell.”

Frisk said he made the decision to notify the fire department and gas company. The building was evacuated, staff and students waited for the results of the inquiry into the matter.

BCSD Maintenance Supervisor also responded to the scene to assist.

“The fire department and gas company cleared the building after determining that a nearby facility released fumes that were sucked into BCMS by the ventilation system intakes”, Fisk said. “Reportedly, these were gasoline fumes. The building was opened up, the fumes dissipated, and we returned to normal operations.”

Fisk said he was delighted at how expeditiously the drill was conducted.

“It was like clockwork and well rehearsed, that’s why we do the drills,” he said.

By 9:30 a.m. the middle school returned to normal operations.

Every student who reported experiencing a symptom was checked by Boundary County Fire Department paramedics, Fisk wrote.

He added that the flu and stomach flu are going around again and that any student with any symptom were checked and symptoms may not have correlated to smelling gasoline.

“We consider the incident resolved at this time, but will continue to monitor both the building, students, and employees to ensure everyone's health,” he said.

Fisk said parents were notified of the incident through social media, Powerschool’s daily bulletin as well as email. Staff and students also received the email detailing information on the evacuation to dispel rumors. A call was sent out across the school for teachers to have students read the email.

He thanked everyone who responded quickly and professionally.