Key Takeaways:
- A three-alarm fire heavily damaged Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford, Delaware.
- The school district canceled in-person and remote classes from October 26 to 30.
- No injuries were reported, and investigators are working to determine the cause.
A three-alarm fire heavily damaged Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford, Delaware, early Sunday, October 25, forcing the district to cancel classes for the upcoming week.
Fire damages several areas of the school
Firefighters responded to Lulu Ross Elementary School shortly after 4 a.m. on Sunday after an automatic fire alarm alerted the Carlisle Fire Company. Crews arrived to find flames coming from the school’s roof.
The fire grew to three alarms, bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Crews initially tried to fight the fire from inside the building but had to evacuate as conditions worsened. Firefighters worked for about three hours to bring the blaze under control.
The fire caused extensive damage to several parts of the school. Affected areas included the main lobby, front offices, library, and classrooms along the Kent and New Castle hallways.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire started in the school’s Kent wing. Investigators continue to examine the cause, and officials have not yet provided an estimate of the total damage.
No injuries were reported. The building was empty when the fire started, which meant no students or school employees were inside during the incident.
School district cancels classes for the week
The Milford School District announced that Lulu Ross Elementary School would remain closed from Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30. Students will not attend classes in person or take part in remote instruction during this period.
The district is assessing the situation and working on plans for the affected school community. School staff will receive further details about operations as officials determine the next steps.
Other schools in the Milford School District will continue to operate on their regular schedules. The district has also begun coordinating support for students, families, and employees who may need help following the fire.
Superintendent Travis Moorman said the district’s crisis team would meet regularly throughout the week and provide updates as decisions develop. He also asked the community to give school staff time to respond to the situation and plan for the days ahead.
Fire investigation continues
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the fire’s origin and cause. Fire investigators responded to the school on Sunday and examined the affected areas after firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Officials have not released a final determination of what caused the fire. The school building sustained significant damage, and the district must assess the impact before deciding on longer-term arrangements for students and staff.
The incident has left the school community facing an unexpected disruption to its normal schedule. District officials plan to share further information as they assess the damage and develop a response.