By April Rodgers Content Coordinator
Bucyrus Secondary School students were released early Thursday afternoon after smoke was reported in the building.
The school was safely evacuated, and all students were accounted for, according to a message from school officials. Bucyrus Fire and Police Departments responded to the scene and began investigating the source of the smoke. Superintendent Robert Britton confirmed that smoke was coming from a gymnasium mechanical room.
After evacuating the building and failing to locate the source of the smoke immediately, the decision was made to release students early. The cause was later identified as a seized rooftop air conditioning unit.
The unit’s motor bearings and belt ignited, producing smoke. A custodian shut down the unit, and the Bucyrus Fire Department confirmed there was no longer any threat. Parents were notified via the district’s all-call system.
