Dexter Firefighters Respond to Elementary School

An incident at Anchor Elementary School led firefighters to respond to the school after fire alarms were activated.

The Sun Times News followed up with Dexter Area Fire Department Chief Doug Armstrong to ask about the incident at the school on April 14.

Armstrong said at approximately 10:30 p.m., “the fire alarm system activated due to water flow in the building’s fire suppression system.”

“A sprinkler head located near a pottery kiln in the art room activated and discharged water into the room, triggering the alarm,” Armstrong said. “The fire alarm system correctly notified the fire department and school officials.”

School Principal Brooke Stidham sent out a message to parents the next day about the small fire in the Anchor Art Room.

“The Dexter Area Fire Department responded quickly, contained the fire, and ensured the area was safe. We are very grateful for their prompt and professional response,” Stidham’s message said. “Fortunately, the fire did not spread, and no one was injured.”

Armstrong said fire crews responded and met school maintenance staff to conduct an inspection of the building. He said water was observed flowing from the art classroom into the hallway, but there was no visible fire. The activated sprinkler head was replaced, and the suppression system was restored to service.

“This was a good example of the building’s safety systems working exactly as designed,” Armstrong said. “The sprinkler and fire alarm systems alerted responders quickly, there was no active fire, and damage was minimal. The priority was confirming the school could safely open, and there was no disruption to classes.”

The school opened as scheduled on Wednesday. Cleanup operations began immediately, and water damage was minimal.

Armstrong said at this time, “the cause appears to be related to the sprinkler activation near the kiln. The kiln function will be further assessed before it is returned to service.”

Stidham said, “The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We have thoroughly assessed the space and are taking all necessary precautions moving forward. While the art room will be temporarily unavailable, art classes will continue as scheduled in an alternate location within the building.”