Students at Katy ISD’s McMeans Junior High returned to classes this afternoon following a surprise evacuation after the fire alarm went off at 1:50 p.m.

In a letter to the school’s parents, Principal Susan Rice said the event was not a planned fire safety drill at the school, which is located at 21000 Westheimer Parkway.

Rice said:

”The sensors indicated a room in the 7th grade hallway which was inspected. A burning smell was present, so we kept the students out and called the police and fire departments. Maintenance was also called.”

Emergency personnel inspected buildings and could not detect any burning objects, Rice said. Officials have determined that it is safe for pupils to return to the campus on Wednesday. Rice said:

The concern was a possible malfunctioning smoke detector that has now been replaced. Maintenance and the fire department went all around the area, inside and out, to ensure that all is safe for students to return tomorrow.

Rice praised the students for their conduct saying it’s fortunate that the school is prepared for evacuations due to regular fire safety drills. She said:

I appreciate the prompt response of the KISD police department, maintenance and the fire department!

According to this snapshot, the school has about 1200 pupils.

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