Published: February 16, 2009 10:32 am      

Fire damages Westview High School

A fire at Westview High School’s gymnasium concession stand area this morning drew responders from two departments.

The Shipshewana and Topeka Fire Departments sent 16 firefighters and five trucks each to handle the blaze, which took approximately 150 gallons of water to extinguish. The fire was brought under control within 46 minutes, and firefighters stayed on scene for an hour to ensure the fire was out. The local sheriff’s department also responded to the incident.

“There is very extensive damage to our concession area,” Westview School Corporation Superintendent Randy Zimmerly said. “The equipment, products stored there are completely charred.”

Zimmerly said school officials were made aware of the fire around 5 a.m. this morning, and by 6 a.m., it had been taken care of. Between the firefighters’ support and the cleanup efforts of the maintenance, custodial and cafeteria staff, he said, the only obstruction to the school day will be rerouting students around the area until cleanup is complete.

The smell of smoke is still noticeable throughout some of the building, and soot has settled on tables and chairs near the concession stand. Still, Zimmerly said, it could have been worse.

According to a release from the Shipshewana Fire Department, the possibility of an electrical appliance could not be ruled out as being the cause of the fire.