US (NC): Fire heavily damages Northwest Cabarrus High School greenhouse
At about 8:14 p.m. Tuesday, the Kannapolis Fire Department was dispatched to the school, located at 5130 Northwest Cabarrus Drive, according to information provided by KFD.
Firefighters arrived to find a greenhouse at the rear of the property fully involved with fire.
The blaze caused significant damage to the greenhouse and extended into an administrative building and another greenhouse. Damage is estimated at approximately $70,000.
"School personnel working this evening noticed the smoke and quickly responded by calling 911, KFD Division Chief Tracy Winecoff said in a statement. "Their quick actions and early notification prevented the damage from being much worse."
The school was one of the precinct locations for Tuesday's election, but the votes had already been received at the Cabarrus County Board of Elections before the fire broke out.
Firefighters were able to save two chinchillas, two guinea pigs and a hamster from the fire, according to the KFD report. There were no injuries to personnel or animals.
The greenhouses were located near the barn on the school campus. Community members stopped by after hearing the initial reports of fire; concerned about the fate of the horses and other animals.
KFD officials said the fire did not extend to that part of the property and all large animals are safe at this time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: www.independenttribune.com