Small Fire Quickly Extinguished at Pacific Elementary
May 14, 2024 06:34PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
A small fire in a light fixture broke out in the cafeteria at Pacific Elementary on Tuesday afternoon. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, and no students were in the cafeteria at the time.
The fire was reported at about 2:40 p.m., at which time many students had been dismissed. Those students and staff who were still on campus followed established emergency procedures and evacuated at that time, a school district spokesperson told MB News.
Nevertheless, the fire and police personnel response involved multiple vehicles that created an alarming sight at a time when many students were being picked up from both Pacific Elementary and nearby American Martyrs School. MBPD community services officers were on hand to help direct and reroute traffic.
Pacific Elementary Principal Amanda Vavao wrote the following email to parents at about 3:50 p.m. to assure them that the event had concluded and there was no danger to students:
"Dear Panther Community:
"I am writing to inform you of a minor incident that occurred today on the
Pacific campus at approximately 2:40 p.m. Manhattan Beach Fire
Department (MBFD) responded promptly to our campus after a ceiling
light fixture caught fire in the cafeteria. Thanks to the quick response
of the MB Fire Department, the fire was quickly extinguished.
"There
were no students in the cafeteria at the time of the fire. As we have
practiced, all students and staff on campus followed established
emergency procedures and evacuated at that time. I want to assure you
that all students and staff were safe during this incident, and no
injuries were reported.
"We are appreciative of the MB Fire Department for their quick handling of this incident.
"Please rest assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. Thank you for your support."
