By: Richard L. Smith
Students, staff, and administrators are set to return to the 13th Avenue School in Newark’s West Ward after a suspicious fire forced temporary relocations to neighboring schools last Thursday.
The quick actions of the school’s administration and district leaders played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and communication with families during the emergency.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told RLS Media that at approximately 10:31 a.m., Newark firefighters responded to the call of a light smoke condition coming from an electrical panel in the basement of the 13th Avenue School, a building over 50 years old, situated in the Fairmount section of the city.
The school's administrators, with the support of district leaders, acted promptly to evacuate students and notify parents and guardians.
They provided clear instructions for student pick-up, directing families of Pre-K to Grade 3 students to Michelle Obama Elementary School, Grades 4-8 to West Side High School, and Special Needs students to John F. Kennedy School.
All after-school programs were canceled as a precaution.
Director Fragé informed RLS Media that one individual inside the school sustained a minor injury after receiving a shock from the affected panel and was transported to a local hospital.
PSE&G arrived on the scene to shut off the building's power, ensuring no further risks were present.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the school administration and the Newark Public Schools district leaders, families were kept well-informed, and students were safely relocated.
No additional injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The swift and organized response highlighted the dedication of school officials to student safety, allowing the community to return to a sense of normalcy as they prepare to reopen the building and resume classes.
NOTE: Our Chief Executive Officer is a 1990 graduate of 13th School.