A fire that was reported at around 12:35-p.m. Tuesday at the Middle School in Atlantic, was under control about an hour later, thanks to quick action from Atlantic, Lewis, Marne and Griswold firefighters. The incident occurred on the roof of the building, about half-way between the north and northwest facing corners. Video from the scene prior to firefighters’ arrival showed intense orange flames and thick black smoke. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said the fire appears to have been confined to the roof.

Drone Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

According to persons at the scene, roofers were installing a new roof, and had left to go to lunch. Persons conducting tuck pointing on the sides of the building saw the smoke and called 9-1-1. The roof of the building is 12-inch thick concrete, so it’s not likely the fire would have spread easily to the rest of the structure. The roof was installed in the early 1930’s he said, as part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) projects under FDR’s administration. The part that was burning was apparently the fiberboard placed on top of the roof liner. It wasn’t immediately known where the blaze began, or why.

Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber said that he’s grateful for the quick response.

Atlantic Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass EMS and others assisted at the scene.

UPDATE 5:00 p.m. – In a message to school district members on Tuesday night Superintendent Barber said the fire did not penetrate the building but the school did experience significant water damage throughout most of the building. The fire marshal is evaluating the fire and they are asking everyone to stay away from the building. The building will be closed while they work through the cleanup process and will update everyone once everyone is able to enter the building again.

Update 7:25-p.m.: A press conference is set to take place at the Atlantic Fire Station, 1-p.m. Wednesday, with Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, Steve Barber, and a representative from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos Courtesy Matt Smith