Hermiston High School experienced a waterline break in its fire suppression system Thursday afternoon, causing administration to release high school students early. District staff quickly arrived on site to assess the situation and begin repairing the damage.
As a result, the the school is on track to reopen Monday, with only two classrooms inaccessible and requiring further drying time.
A damage assessment found that air froze in a 90-degree elbow of the main fire suppression line above the 1992 wing (math and science hall). A weak spot in the elbow burst, flooding water into the hallway and classrooms, leading to the decision to release students early from school on Thursday.
The affected area includes much of the wing, the kitchen, and the main commons. Damage was isolated to rugs and a few walls.
No classroom technology appears to be affected at this time. The district’s on-site contractor, with support from district maintenance staff, contained much of the damage.
Electrical power was expected to restored by Friday afternoon and an insurance adjuster will be on site.
