Spring Ridge Elementary, located near 178th and Pacific in West Omaha, will remain closed at least through Wednesday following a fire caused by a lithium battery inside one of its classrooms. The incident occurred over the weekend, and school officials acted quickly to contain the situation.
Fire quickly extinguished, but safety checks continue
According to a letter sent to families, the school’s sprinkler system activated promptly, limiting damage to the affected room. While the flames were put out, smoke lingered, prompting district officials to order comprehensive air testing before students can safely return.
Impact on school programs and families
In addition to the classroom closure, the district has canceled before‑and‑after‑school care through Wednesday. A planned student field trip scheduled for Tuesday has also been called off, and the annual Veterans Day program will not take place as originally planned.
Parents and guardians have been advised to monitor communications from the school district for updates on the re‑entry date. A district spokesperson emphasized that the safety of students and staff remains the top priority and promised to provide further information as soon as testing results are available.
Community response and next steps
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, noting the growing reliance on lithium‑based devices in schools and the importance of robust safety protocols. The school district has indicated that it will review its policies regarding the storage and use of such batteries to prevent future occurrences.
For now, families are encouraged to make alternative childcare arrangements and stay informed through the district’s official channels. The district will issue a follow‑up notice once the air quality has been confirmed as safe and a definitive reopening date is set.
What parents can do
Parents should keep an eye on email updates from Spring Ridge Elementary and the Omaha Public Schools website. Those needing assistance with childcare options can contact the district’s family services office, which is prepared to help navigate temporary solutions during the closure.
As the situation develops, the district remains committed to transparency and will continue to share relevant information with the community.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
