The Wayland Fire Department came to WHS soon after the incident while students evacuated the North building.
At around 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Wayland Fire Department was called to Wayland High School (WHS) due to a small fire in the metalsmithing classroom.
At 10:37 a.m., WHS Principal Allyson Mizoguchi sent a message to WHS students and families detailing the events that took place.
“During a Jewelry and Metalwork class, a small fire ignited in an art classroom from a dropped soldering torch,” Mizoguchi wrote. “A quick-thinking student used the fire extinguisher to put out the fire, and the North building was evacuated. EMS and the Wayland Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene.”
According to the email, a student sustained burns from the fire, to which the nursing staff quickly treated and transported the student to the hospital.
Sophomore Griffin McNeilly was in the classroom at the time, and said that he used the fire extinguisher to put out the fire before evacuating the building.
During this time, WHS was put under a stay in place, where students were instructed to stay in their classrooms or in the library and commons.
“The Fire Department has since removed gas tanks from the art room and cleared the North building for use,” Mizoguchi wrote.
Classes were able to return to the North building during second block, although the art room remains closed as they examine the situation, according to the email.
“I would like to extend my thanks to students and staff, who were extremely supportive and flexible throughout this incident,” Mizoguchi wrote. “Additionally, we continue to be grateful for our partnership with local emergency personnel, whose quick and thorough response allowed us to return to learning promptly.”
This article is a developing story that is subject to updates.