A fire reported on Wednesday morning at the John Bapst High School on Broadway damaged the rear of the building, but thanks to a fast response of area firefighters the historic school was saved.
“The fire caused a fair amount of damage to a roof, ceiling and a classroom,” said Bangor Fire Chief Thomas Higgins. “However, I think it’s safe to say that due to the great work of firefighters in Bangor and the surrounding communities the school will reopen next week.”
Bangor Firefighters responded to 100 Broadway at 10:53 a.m. when the school’s fire alarm system activated. The first crew on the scene soon discovered smoke coming from the roof on the backside of the school. Within minutes, a second and then third alarm were struck which resulted in additional help arriving from Brewer, Hampden, Hermon, Holden, Veazie and Capital Ambulance. In addition, Veazie and Orono Firefighters responded to provide fire coverage for Bangor while Bangor Firefighters were at the fire scene.
While the fire is still under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshals Office and the Bangor Fire Department, Higgins said the fire appears to have originated in an area around the 4th floor and spread to a clock loft and laboratory before it was contained at 12:43.
One Bangor Firefighter was injured while fighting the fire when part of a ceiling collapsed on top of him. The firefighter was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being released later in the afternoon.
For more information: 992-4701 or 992-4702.