Small fire damaged gymnasium in Waukesha North H.S.
WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Fire officials responded to a small fire in the gymnasium area of Waukesha North High School Thursday morning, August 1st.
According to officials, the City of Waukesha dispatch center received a call from the staff at Linden Grove Nursing Home that they could see strobe lights activated at Waukesha North High School.
"The neighboring business, the nursing home, did see the flashing strobes in the building and called 911. It is very fortunate that they did see that and did call," said Waukesha Fire Marshal Brian Charlesworthy.
Around 4:30 a.m. fire crews found a small fire in the gymnasium. Flames and smoke rose from gymnasium doors, where workers have been installing a new wood floor on top of the existing synthetic one that has been inside the school since the early 90's.
"There were a set of doors, four or five doors, they are completely gone at this point," said Dennis Wollenzein, Assistant Director of Activities. "We're not aware of anyone being inside the building. There are cameras around the building."
Investigators reviewed security footage and don't believe the fire to be suspicious in nature. The new floor sustained minimal damage however almost the entire building was filled with thick smoke.
Summer activities, including Driver's Education, are being forced outdoors or cancelled altogether.
"It's kind of smokey inside," said driving instructor Jake Glidden. "I can't get inside to teach my Driver's Ed. class."
Another problem discovered since the fire is the fact that Waukesha North's fire alarms aren't connected directly to the fire department. The school was built before that policy became a requirement.
The School District hopes to have the gym floor and clean up from the fire done by September 3rd, the beginning of the school year.
There is no estimated cost on damages as of yet.