WEST NEWBURY, Mass. — The quick thinking and rapid response of a local robotics team helped prevent a fire from spreading inside a West Newbury school auditorium this weekend.
When a small fire ignited on the stage of Pentucket Regional Middle High School auditorium on Saturday afternoon, the Pentucket’s robotics meeting in a nearby classroom began to smell and quickly sprang into action, grabbing fire extinguishers and dousing the flames.
According to school officials, the robotics team likely saved the school of extensive damage.
“We are incredibly grateful to our robotics team and their mentors for their quick thinking and bravery,” said Principal Brenda Erhardt in a statement. “Their dedication to safety and preparedness truly paid off in a critical moment.”
No one was injured in the fire but the auditorium and cafeteria were left with some smoke damage that crews have been working throughout the weekend to clean and remove.
An initial investigation determined the fire likely began in a trash barrel containing sawdust that was likely smoldering for a while before catching fire.
Because cleanup is still underway and inspections are needed, Pentucket Regional Middle High School will be closed this upcoming Monday and Tuesday, school officials said.
“School officials are optimistic that normal operations can resume soon, and plans for a potential make-up day will be shared with the community,” Pentucket Regional School District Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Erhardt said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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