Fire Breaks Out In Geneva Middle School North Common Area: D304

GENEVA, IL — A malfunctioning carpet drying fan caught fire Friday morning at Geneva Middle School North, according to district officials and the Geneva Fire Department.

A preliminary investigation determined that a fan being used to dry freshly cleaned carpet caught fire in a common area, the Geneva Community Unit School District 304 administration said in a Friday morning email to the community. The fire then spread to a janitorial cart.

The Geneva Fire Department responded to the fire at 4:15 a.m. and brought it under control in less than 30 minutes. The building's sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed extinguishment, search, salvage and overhaul operations.

No one was in the building at the time. Surrounding areas were damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water. Damage estimates are not currently available, the Geneva Fire Department said.

"We are thankful for our first responders and community partners from the Geneva Fire Department who took great care to ensure the scene was safe and to protect our facilities," the administration said. "We are also thankful for the hardworking and dedicated staff members in our Operations & Maintenance Department who have come together to ensure our building will be clean and ready for the upcoming school year."