Fire damage forces Berri school closure

BERRI Regional Secondary College was closed to students yesterday, and will remain closed today, following fire damage in the roof space of a building in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Parents and caregivers were notified of the closure yesterday morning and instructed not to send students to school, if possible.

Local fire crews attended the school around 2.30am, after a smoke alarm was triggered in the Symonds building.

“That building can hold a number of students, that’s why the school closure (was required) because it impacted a number of classes and learning spaces,” said principal Emily Griggs.

“We’re waiting for the formal investigation and information to be released about what exactly happened.”

A spokesperson from the Department for Education said the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were under investigation.

“The Department… is working with the school and stakeholders to make the area safe, clean up, and organise repairs,” they said.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer spoke with Ms Griggs and offered his condolences following news of the damage.

“I am always amazed by the incredible resilience of the community,” he said.

“I will be making my way up to the school (this week) to offer my further support to the school and the community more broadly.”