Career Academies briefly evacuated

Bayne Hughes, The Decatur Daily, Ala.
·1 min read

Nov. 2—About 200 people at the new Career Academies of Decatur were briefly evacuated Thursday because a problem with the gas line feeding the cafeteria oven, a school official said.

Dwight Satterfield deputy superintendent of operations and safety, said an employee smelled gas, noticed the valve was hot to the oven in the Career Academies cafeteria kitchen and shut it off at about 1:53 p.m.

Satterfield said they evacuated the technical school as a cautionary move and notified Austin Junior High of the possible problem. Decatur Fire & Rescue, Decatur Utilities and central office maintenance responded.

An inspection found a solenoid was apparently installed incorrectly and got stuck in an open position, he said.

Everyone returned to their daily routines in the academy about 30 minutes later, Satterfield said.

Satterfield said breakfast and lunch will prepared Friday in the Austin Junior High cafeteria and delivered to the Career Academies while the contractor repairs the problem. The new school's operation remain under warranty.

— bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432. Twitter @DD_BayneHughes.