Small fire prompts evacuation at North Central High School

A spark from a welding torch started a small fire Wednesday morning at North Central High School, forcing students to evacuate for more than an hour.

The fire started at about 9:40 a.m. and apparently burned some insulation in a new section of the school undergoing construction, said district spokesman Kevin Morrison.

Spokane firefighters doused the blaze quickly, but three construction workers had smoke inhalation problems, Fire Chief Bobby Williams said. One was taken to a local hospital, while the other two refused treatment.

Williams said very little smoke entered buildings currently being used for teaching. At about 11 a.m. officials were assessing whether the air was safe enough for classes to resume, he said.