Poland Central School Still Closed After Basement Fire

Poland Central Schools remain closed today and tomorrow after a fire in the basement.

The fire broke out early Tuesday morning (5/14) in a storage area under the sixth grade classroom. "Smoke was a primary concern throughout the morning and resulted in the need to close school," the district announced. "Canceling classes was only one aspect of the response by district employees. Vendors were also contacted to examine the building’s elevator and fire alarm systems."

The storage area in the school basement suffered heavy smoke and water damage. "The sixth grade wing suffered moderate smoke damage and will be require more extensive cleaning. The remainder of the building suffered minor smoke exposure."

To give more time for clean up the district will be closed on Wednesday, May 15 and the campus closed on Thursday,May 16. The district plans to provide transportation to programs at other schools on Thursday. Friday's schedule is still up in the air.

"The district is extremely grateful for the response by the Poland Volunteer Fire Company, the Newport Fire Department, Herkimer County Emergency Services, and the numerous other agencies that assisted."

The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.