Smell of natural gas at Kitchener school forces students and staff into nearby church
Families and caregivers were welcome to pick their children up from Smithson Public School if they so choose.
It was an eventful day for students and staff at Smithson Public School in Kitchener with a house fire nearby during morning drop-off and then the smell of natural gas inside the school that forced students and staff to evacuate to a nearby church.
Alison Gaymes San Vicente, associate director of student achievement and well-being, confirmed that Kitchener Fire responded to a house fire near the school in the morning.
Later, staff noticed the smell of natural gas and contacted Kitchener Utilities and the board's own facility services.
"Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff were evacuated from the building and moved to our predetermined evacuation site at St. James' Rosemount United Church," Gaymes San Vicente said in the release.
"Students and staff remained at this location for approximately one hour before returning to the school."
Gas was shut off at the school, which meant the heat had to be turned off. The board put portable heaters into classrooms, but parents and caregivers were told they could pick up their children "should they choose to do so," Gaymes San Vicente said.