A minor fire in the Cutter Morning Star High School gym that led to a short evacuation Tuesday morning was apparently due to an electrical issue with a motor that raises and lowers a basketball goal.
"The actual motor of one of the goals caught on fire. It was an electrical fire," Superintendent Nancy Anderson said.
One of the coaches smelled smoke, looked around and saw smoke coming from the motor and quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher and put the fire out, she said.
The fire was reported shortly before 10:30 a.m.
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"Teachers got all of the students out safely. Everyone was accounted for. The administration, our chief of police, teachers, and everybody did a fantastic job," Anderson said.
"We were very blessed that we had the cavalry come here," Anderson said. "We had a lot of people here to make sure everyone was safe."
The reported fire drew a large response from Morning Star Fire Department, the Garland County Sheriff's Department and other first responders.
After school officials made sure everyone was out of the building the students were moved to the historical gym because of the weather.
"We needed to clear out the smoke and the fumes from the fire extinguisher. We didn't want anyone in harm's way," Anderson said.
The students ate lunch at the elementary cafeteria and as soon as they finished, they were allowed back into the building, which the firefighters had cleared.
"The faculty and staff did a tremendous job getting our kids out safely and quickly and remaining calm. Our kids did a fantastic job taking it seriously and listening to their teachers and the principal administration," Anderson said.
"Everybody just did what they had to do to keep our kids safe. They weren't in any danger, but we didn't know that at the time. I am very proud of our staff and students on how they responded," she said.