Electrical issue causes smoke in hallways, power outage, early dismissal at Somerset school

An electrical issue has led to smoke and an early dismissal at a local school.

According to the Somerset Police Department, this morning, shortly before 8:00 a.m., SRO Lewandoski at the Middle School contacted dispatch regarding multiple fire alarms at the building.

Communications dispatched the Fire Department along with multiple Police Department units to respond.

It was determined that there was a circuit board in the electrical room that led to smoke at the panel that stead to hallways.

Students and staff were evacuated.

The Fire Department checked the building and determined there were no other causes for concern.

Everyone returned to the building around 8:30 a.m.

The Somerset Fire Department stated that there was an electrical room issue that caused the power to go out. This set the fire alarm off.

SFD vented the smoke with ppv fans and monitored the atmosphere for toxic and explosives gases.

The department determined that there is no safety or health concern for the children or staff at this time.

The subsequent electrical issue has caused a power failure, the school is on a backup generator (which does not power the entire building). Therefore, the children will be dismissed at noon today.

Police and Fire commended staff for a timely and safe evacuation of the building.