Gingin District High School fire: Investigators reveal cause of blaze that forced students to evacuate

Fire investigators have determined an “intense burst of energy” from a lightning bolt was the cause of a fire that tore through classrooms at a Gingin high school and forced students to evacuate.

Gingin District High School was closed on Thursday as Department of Fire and Emergency Services probed how a fire ignited in a classroom about 12.20pm on Wednesday.

DFES confirmed it was believed the fire was most likely caused by lightning, with an “intense burst of energy” starting the blaze in the roof space of one of the classrooms and spreading.

The fire forced an evacuation of students and staff from the building, with parents asked to pick up their children. The school was closed on Thursday and will remain closed on Friday at this stage.

“The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have advised that the school will remain closed on Friday 19 August pending clearance of the site, confirmation that the school is safe, as well as ensure that adequate cleaning and repairs can be carried out before staff and students return,” the school said.

“While we are finalising the inquiry into the fire, at this stage it appears the fire was started by a lightning strike. Rooms 13 and 14 are severely fire damaged.

“Our teachers are committed to ensure that all students are able to continue their learning, even though the school has been affected by this tragic incident.

The school added: “Teachers will connect with families through SeeSaw (for Primary students) and Connect (for Secondary students) and will provide instructional materials for each student. Students should complete the work set by teachers by Monday.”

“If your family is unable to access learning through these channels, please ring the school between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. tomorrow. We are aware that some families do not have quality on-line access and we will contact these families separately,” it said.

“We will relocate the Chaplain’s room so that students will have a new common room as soon as possible and the school will make this a priority.”