METAIRIE, LA – On Tuesday afternoon, the Jefferson Parish Fire Department was called to a local elementary school in response to a building fire.
According to Fire Chief Tibbetts, three classroom were damaged in the fire, which is now under control.
The fire was contained to one building, and damage is estimated to be near $100,000.
There have been no reported injuries.
Vicki Bristol, Director of Communications for Jefferson Parish Schools, released the following statement regarding the fire:
“This afternoon the fire alarm went off at J.C. Ellis Elementary. The fire department was immediately called, and the principal and district administrators rapidly reported to the scene. We are fortunate that no one was in the building, and the fire was quickly contained and put out by the local fire department. Officials are still determining how the fire was caused.
J.C. Ellis Elementary will remain closed for the rest of this week to continue cleaning and securing the campus. Crews have been working to ensure that classrooms are safe and ready to receive students on Monday. In order to continue with instruction, all middle school students will be virtual for Thursday and Friday, and all K-5 traditional students will be able to pick up instructional packets for both Thursday and Friday. We will offer breakfast and lunch grab & go style for all students, and we plan to reopen on Monday, September 21. “
This fire is under investigation. Check back for updates.