Fire officials trying to determine source of Jeff Davis School Board fire
Published 4:46 pm Thursday, June 8, 2023
Jennings firefighters responded to a fire Wednesday at the Jeff Davis Parish School Board's central office at 203 E. Plaquemine Street in Jennings. The fire was contained to a small area of the attic, but smoke and water damage was reported throughout the building. (Special to the American Press)
Industrial fans were used Thursday to help remove the smell of smoke and dry out wet areas of the Jeff Davis Parish School Board's central office following an overnight fire. The fire was contained to a small area of the attic, but smoke and water damage was reported throughout the building. (Special to the American Press)
Industrial fans were used Thursday to help remove the smell of smoke and dry out wet areas of the Jeff Davis Parish School Board's central office following an overnight fire. The fire was contained to a small area of the attic, but smoke and water damage was reported throughout the building. (Special to the American Press)
Fire officials are trying to determine the cause of a fire that broke out Wednesday night at the Jeff Davis Parish School Board’s central office.
Superintendent John Hall said Thursday the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious, however the official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Clean up crews were on site Thursday using large fans to remove the smell of smoke from the building located at 203 E. Plaquemine Street in Jennings. Crews were also working to clean out the ventilation system, duct work and other areas affected by smoke and water.
Although the fire was contained to a small area in the attic, Hall said smoke damage was reported throughout the building. Water damage was reported to at least four rooms, including the carpet.
The fire also interrupted internet and telephone service to the office, which will remain closed through the weekend to allow cleanup work to continue.
Summer school programs at Jennings Elementary School were also canceled Thursday because of the lack of internet, telephone and intercom systems. They are expected to resume next week.
An ACT Boot Camp scheduled for Friday will be held.
Hall said he received a call from the Jennings Police Department around 7:25 p.m. Wednesday reporting that the School Board office was on fire.
“It appears the attic above the restrooms caught on fire and it had been smoldering for a long time and slowly built up,” he said. “We are very fortunate that the fire contained itself to a 4 foot by 4 foot area in the attic and that it stayed in the attic.”
He described the damages as “mild” with damages estimated at $50,000 to $100,000.
Installation, some walls and carpet will have to be replaced. Portable restrooms will also have to be used while repairs are made to the restrooms, which were damaged in the fire.
Hall said the fire is more an inconvenience than anything for the more than 30 employees who work in the central office.
“We still have a business to run and payroll to do, but without internet it has been hard to keep up and running,” he said.
The fire was first reported by a Jennings police officer who was a block away from the building and saw the smoke.
“I will definitely be buying him lunch for many, many weeks,” Hall joked. “I thank him so much for being observant and taking action.”
Hall also praised the Jennings Fire Department for their quick response in putting the fire out.
