FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Falls Church Fire Department is investigating a malfunctioning motor in a hot water heater that caused smoke throughout a high school.
On Tuesday, Meridian High School was evacuated following the discovery of smoke in the school’s lower level. Following the evacuation, the Fire Marshal ordered the closure of the building due to safety concerns.
Students were taken home early. Students were not allowed to reenter the school following the evacuation, so many of them left their personal belongings such as their laptops and backpacks scattered across classrooms and other areas of the school.
Falls Church City Public Schools sent a letter to parents and guardians to update them on the events leading up to the evacuation. In the letter, the school reassured parents that their children’s items would be secured throughout the night.
“For students who left belongings in the hallway, auditorium, or elsewhere throughout the building, these items can be picked up tomorrow morning in the cafeteria. Items that were left in classrooms can be retrieved from those classrooms, which will be locked and secured tonight. We assure you that all left items will be secured this evening by FCCPS staff once the building is returned to school officials, ensuring their safety and security," the letter sent to parents read.
It is unclear if the school will reopen and operate at its normal hours on Wednesday.
