Angela Jenkins, Director of Communications                                                                   August 31, 2006

(903) 262-1064                                                                                                                        For Immediate Release

News Release

Bell Elementary Electrical Fire

            At approximately 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, a small flash fire developed from a decorative light fixture in a stairwell at Henry M. Bell Elementary School.  The smoke detector system was activated and called the Tyler Fire Department, which responded immediately.

            The sprinkler system did not activate due to the limited flash and smoke associated with the incident.  Damage was limited to two ceiling tiles that were smoke damaged and have been replaced.  This incident resulted from a defective ballast in the light fixture.  The new school’s electrical system performed as designed.

            “Although this is a minimal and unfortunate incident, it is good to know all the safety equipment and procedures worked well resulting in minimal damage and no injury,” said Tyler ISD Superintendent David Simmons.

            The Tyler Fire Department cleared the building and designated it as suitable for occupancy.  Letters will be sent home to all Bell Elementary parents explaining what occurred last night.

The other decorative light fixture will be inspected at Bell Elementary, as well as the two similar fixtures at Ramey Elementary School.

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