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Students temporarily evacuated after kiln fire at Petsworth Elementary

Petsworth Elementary School students were evacuated from the school on Friday after a kiln fire occurred in one of the classrooms.

According to a press release from Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad Fire Prevention Officer Tony Villani, fire personnel responded to the call shortly after noon on Feb. 17, when it was reported that there had been active flames.

Assistant Chief W.L. Johnston arrived on scene to find that the school children had been evacuated, said the release, and he quickly determined that the fire was already out.

Because there was no active fire, and due to inclement weather, the children were allowed to return to a safe area within the school building while further investigation took place, said Villani.

Firefighters ensured that the power to the kiln was secured, he said, and the thermal imaging camera from Engine 61 was used to ensure that the kiln had sufficiently cooled down.

One engine, one medic unit, and a total of eight personnel respo...

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