Solar Panel Cause of Fire at Webster Groves High School

WEBSTER GROVES Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire Saturday on the roof of Webster Groves High School, officials said.

The fire broke out about 1:45 p.m. The cause has not yet been determined, but Webster Groves Battalion Chief Tom Yohe said it was “possible” the fire was sparked by one of the school’s solar panels.

Departments from around the area responded to the 2nd alarm call. The fire was contained within 15 minutes, Yohe said.

Officials said there may be some water damage to the school’s third-floor classrooms from fighting the fire. No firefighters were hurt, and any damage to the building was minor.

The school’s seniors graduated Friday, but Yohe said because access to the roof was difficult he “seriously doubted” the fire could have been started by students. The school is expected to be open Monday.

Original Story Link: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/fire-at-webster-groves-high-school-quickly-put-out/article_8b4794f7-eafe-54ec-b47d-711ab62d548b.html