Submitted by Scott LaVielle for Tumwater Fire Department
Assisted by mutual aid units from East Olympia Fire District 6, Griffin Fire District 13, McLane/Black Lake Fire District and West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, Tumwater Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at Black Lake Elementary School, 6345 Black Lake Belmore Road SW. The call came in at 11:58 a.m. with the first unit arriving at 12:04 p.m.
Upon arrival, the school was evacuated. Upon initial investigation, crews found a small amount of smoke emanating from the SE corner room of the school in the roof area. The room contained a kitchen with a stove, microwave and small hood and duct system. Upon entry, fire personnel found a small amount of fire burning on the top of the stove and cupboard area just above the stove. The fire was extinguished and confined to this area. Crews confirmed there was no fire extension, and quickly worked to ventilate the building of residual smoke.
The cause of the fire was determined to be someone turning on the left rear burner which ignited combustibles left on the stove. The fire progressed to an adjacent microwave oven which ignited cupboards above the area of origin. Damage is estimated to be approximately $60,000.00. Two school staff were treated for smoke inhalation and released at the scene. There were no other injuries to school personnel or firefighters.
