A small fire interrupted TCAP testing at the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
CSAS officials told firefighters that their elementary school PE teacher smelled smoke in the vicinity of the old gymnasium. When she discovered a small fire in the old gym, she immediately notified other school personnel. Band Director David Butler grabbed a portable fire extinguisher and quickly put the fire out.
Chattanooga firefighters quickly arrived on the scene, but the emergency was over, thanks to quick-thinking school personnel, fire officials said.
Meantime, the fire alarm system was activated and the school's 1,200 students were evacuated. A thunderstorm was passing through the area at the time, so CSAS staff directed the students to another gymnasium, which is located next to the main school building.
The fire caused minimal damage to the building, and no injuries were reported. The students were allowed back into the main building around 11:30 a.m.
After conducting an initial investigation, fire investigators believe the fire is of suspicious origin. An investigation is underway.
This is the second fire to strike CSAS in less than five months. On Nov. 30, 2005, a fire in the school's auditorium forced a quick evacuation of students and faculty. No injuries were reported, but several school teachers placed their lives at risk trying to put the fire out themselves. They succeeded in extinguishing most of the flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.
That fire was ruled accidental, most likely from an electrical malfunction. The dollar loss was estimated at around $10,000. That fire occurred during the lunch hour, and classes were canceled for the rest of the day.
TCAP testing was discontinued for the remainder of the day and will resume tomorrow morning.