Published: September 02, 2008 09:39 pm         

Leak shortens school day at OHHS

Students evacuated as precaution; firefighters say building safe

OAK HILL — A rupture of a freon line Tuesday morning at Oak Hill High School was addressed in an efficient manner and resulted in no injuries, authorities say.

Following a report of a ruptured line by an employee of a roofing contractor, students and staff were moved to a staging area in the parking lot of the nearby Fayette Institute of Technology while emergency personnel investigated. OHHS students were eventually sent home shortly before 1 p.m., although classes continued at the technology center after the investigation concluded.

Oak Hill Fire Chief Tim Richardson said that, while the call was originally reported as a broken natural gas line, it was determined instead to be that of a freon line connected to an air conditioning unit on the school roof. Employees of Frye Roofing, which is installing a new roof on the building, reported the leak.

Richardson said a thorough investigation was made of the school, both interior and exterior, utilizing thermal imaging equipment. There were no natural gas fumes or fire, nor were problems found with the air quality, and the school is cleared for a return to a normal schedule today.

Richardson praised the school for its response.

“The school did a proper, immediate evacuation, and we secured the scene,” he said. “I’d like to compliment the (central office and board of education), principals and teachers.”

Oak Hill Police Chief Mike Whisman said two citations for violation of state fire code were issued to Dr. Serena Starcher, associate superintendent of Fayette County Schools, on behalf of the board of education. Those citations — for blocking a fire system and blocking a fire exit — revolved around the improper location of Lusk Disposal Service dumpsters being used for removal of debris from the roofing work.

Starcher acknowledged receipt of the citations and said they must be resolved before Oct. 30. She said the trash receptacles are “still on the grounds but not in the fire lanes.”

“They inspected and we can return to school (today),” she added.

Richardson said Lusk officials were asked to move the dumpsters, a request with which they complied. He also said it didn’t hinder Tuesday’s situation.

In addition to the OHFD, the city police department responded to the scene, as did the school system’s maintenance department.

The state fire marshal’s office will also perform a walk-through, which is standard procedure, Richardson said.

— E-mail: skeenan@register-herald.com