Malfunctioning Heating Unit Evacuates School In Clinton: Officials

CLINTON, CT — Eliot Middle School was briefly evacuated on Wednesday after a heating unit malfunctioned, according to fire officials.

It was one of several calls that members of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department handled on Wednesday, including two minor fire incidents, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

“The first occurred at Eliot School when a heating unit malfunctioned, creating a significant smoke condition inside the building,” officials wrote in the post. “The building was evacuated and crews worked to contain and ventilate the smoke. Members coordinated with school administration to safely return students to part of the building so they could have lunch and continue their day with minimal disruption.

“In the second incident, members responded to a brush fire that had extended to the side of a shed. Members who lived near by were able to quickly knock down the fire with a garden hose before it caused major damage or spread to other structures. Arriving apparatus completed overhaul and confirmed the fire was fully extinguished.”

For photos from the incident, visit the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page here.