Shropshire Star

Classroom fire forces partial closure of Much Wenlock school

Parts of Much Wenlock's William Brookes School and sixth form were closed on Wednesday after a fire in a classroom.

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Students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 were told to stay at home on Wednesday after the "small but contained fire" on Tuesday evening.

Those in Years 7, 11 and 13 were expected to attend school as normal.

Headteacher Geoff Renwick said that paper caught fire in a 'staff work base' where teachers could work, and that the school's sprinkler system had stopped it spreading.

He said: "I heard about it at about 6.30pm, pretty much right after it happened. There were staff on site as we had a parental seminar going on but also our on-site team.

"With it being a modern, 21st century school the sprinkler system was very effective in controlling it. A large area around that room has been affected by the water."

He also expressed "a massive thank you" to the emergency services that made the scene of the fire safe afterwards.

Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service said three fire crews were sent from Bridgnorth, Telford Central and Tweedale.

They isolated the electricity supply and cleared smoke logging in the first floor room.

The school announced that on Thursday Year 12 student can return to school, while years eight, nine and 10 were told to remain at home.

Ludlow's MP Philip Dunne said on Twitter: "Disturbed to learn William Brooke School had fire in a classroom last evening, but relieved quickly contained and no one hurt.

"Hope damage limited and assessment can be made of cause and when classrooms can all be reopened. Thoughts with students and staff this morning."