Meridian High School Fire Investigation: Activities Canceled

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A fire investigation is underway at Meridian High School in Falls Church after the school day ended Tuesday.

The fire department was alerted to the smell of smoke on the school's lower level after student dismissal, according to Falls Church City Public Schools. The building was evacuated as a precaution.

Preliminary investigations show the cause of the smoke was a malfunctioning motor in a hot water heater. The fire marshal ordered the building to the closed to all students for safety reasons. Students were not permitted to re-enter and may not have their personal belongings or laptops.

"Addressing this issue will be a priority for us, but at the moment, ensuring the safety of our students is our foremost concern," FCCPS shared. "We will provide further information on retrieving personal items as soon as it is safe to do so."

Late buses for after-school activities were dispatched to the high school ahead of schedule after elementary school runs were completed. All activities scheduled at Meridian High School Tuesday night were cancelled, but the wrestling match at Yorktown High School will continue. Students' belongings left in the school will be secured Tuesday night and available for pickup Wednesday morning in the cafeteria. Items left in classrooms will be available Wednesday at the same locations.