Fire at Lexington school ruled accidental; classes move online for next week

A recent fire at Lexington’s Southern Middle School was determined to be accidental, according to a Lexington Fire Department investigation.

The fire, which broke out March 2 during a boy’s basketball game, started in the art room. When fire officials arrived, two rooms were “fully involved,” Lexington Fire Major Derek Roberts said Friday.

In-person learning for the next week is canceled. Remote learning will continue through March 16, Principal Kevin Payne said.

Payne said earlier that the school was evacuated, and though the fire was contained to two classrooms, “nearly every corner of the building was impacted by fire, smoke, or water damage following this incident.”

Roberts said the investigation was continuing “but I think we are comfortable with saying the cause was accidental.”

He said he did not immediately know how the accidental fire started.

Payne was working with district teams and outside contractors to quickly address the required repairs, clean-up and restoration of the building, he told parents in a message Thursday.

“Although a great deal of progress has been made, the information we received during a project update meeting today makes it clear that Southern Middle School cannot safely reopen for in-person learning next week,” he said.

Students should log in to their second-period class by 9 a.m. each day. All Fayette County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, March 17 as previously scheduled, and remote learning will not occur.

“We are optimistic that students will be able to return to the building on Monday, March 20, however, we will provide a confirmation and update to all families next week,” Payne said. “Also, be on the lookout for additional information regarding remote learning schedules and details for the week of March 13 through 16.”

Families who need additional help with technology will receive it. Meals are available for pick up Monday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the bus loop at Southern Middle School.