THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997 TAG: 9702120446
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Community Briefs
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 25 lines
A welding torch caught fire Tuesday morning at Nansemond River High School, injuring two people and forcing evacuation of the building for about an hour.
A small back flash from the torch apparently ignited some paper in a shop at the rear of the school, said Milton R. Liverman, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The fire, nearly out when firefighters arrived, was quickly extinguished, he said.
The student who was using the torch was treated at the scene for a possible flash burn to his eye. He returned to school after being seen by a doctor, police and school officials said.
Shop teacher Leon Harris, who apparently fell during the incident, was taken by Bennett's Creek Rescue Squad to Louise Obici Memorial Hospital. He was treated for a pulled leg muscle and later released, said police spokesman Mike Simpson. Fire officials estimated damages at $2,000.
KEYWORDS: FIRE SUFFOLK SCHOOLS NANSEMOND RIVER HIGH SCHOOL
INJURIES ACCIDENT GENERAL