New Bedford, Mass. – A fire broke out in a first‑floor office of the New Bedford Public Schools administration building Thursday night, prompting an immediate response from the city’s fire department. The incident forced the building to stay closed on Friday while crews completed ventilation and investigators determined the cause.
Fire response and containment
Fire Chief Brian Medeiros reported that firefighters were dispatched to 455 County Street at 6:20 p.m. after an alarm activation. Upon arrival, crews heard alarms sounding and observed smoke filling the interior.
Firefighters quickly located the source of the blaze and extinguished the flames, containing the fire to the office where it originated. Smoke, however, spread throughout the building, requiring an extended presence on scene to ventilate the structure and ensure the air was safe for re‑entry.
Building status and safety
The administration building was reportedly unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. Because of the smoke and potential damage, district officials decided to keep the building closed on Friday to allow for thorough repairs and safety inspections.
School district administrators are coordinating with city officials to determine when the building can safely reopen and to communicate any impact on district operations to staff and the public.
Investigation underway
Fire investigators have been called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. At this time, no definitive cause has been released.
The New Bedford Fire Department thanked community members for their patience as the department worked to protect public safety and restore normal operations at the school district’s headquarters.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
