A fire at a middle school in the western suburbs caused minor damage early Friday morning.
The Geneva Fire Department was called to Geneva Middle School North, 1357 Viking Drive, around 4:15 a.m., in response to a fire alarm at the two-story building.
Firefighters discovered several activated smoke detectors and moderate smoke on the first floor. Fire Chief Mike Antenore reported that a small fire broke out in the school’s northeast section’s common/instructional area.
Before firefighters could extinguish the flames, the building’s sprinkler system did so. Search, salvage, and overhaul operations were also carried out. The fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes.
The building was not occupied, and no injuries were reported.
According to Antenore, the fire began when a malfunctioning carpet fan ignited, causing flames to spread to the janitor’s cart. The surrounding areas were damaged by fire, heat, smoke, and water.
The Geneva Fire Department was helped by firefighters and paramedics from Elburn, Batavia, St. Charles, and Fermilab. The Geneva Police Department also assisted in the response.
