aclark@s-t.com
SouthCoastToday.com
November 02, 2010
NEW BEDFORD — Keith Middle School is closed today after a smoky fire broke out Monday night in a first-floor science prep room, where hazmat crews earlier in the day had cleaned out an acid wash tank which had filled with chemicals several weeks ago.
"It appears that there (were) some chemicals involved in the fire," Fire Chief Brian Faria said. "Smoke was going on three floors of the building."
At press time, the chemicals had not been identified.
At 10:20 p.m., Southcoast Hospitals spokeswoman Joyce Brennan said 10 firefighters had come in to be checked out. "They (are) all expected to be treated and released at this time."
As emergency personnel investigated the cause of smoke reported by school custodial staff shortly before 7 p.m., they identified the source as a fire in a first-floor science room, District Fire Chief Scott Kruger said.
He said the fire appeared to be caused by a chemical reaction.
