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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fire Department responds to LC science class for unsecured substance

The Spokane Fire Department responded to Lewis and Clark High School on Thursday after teachers discovered a hazardous substance, which is used in science demonstrations, had not been properly secured.

In a recorded message to parents, Principal Marybeth Smith said the substance, which was not identified, was found secured behind a locked cabinet, but not in its protective sleeve.

As a result, she notified school district safety personnel and the fire department, which responded with its hazardous materials team.

She closed the science classroom for the remainder of the day and cordoned off the hallway, she said.

Smith noted that Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer determined that the substance posed “an extremely low risk” for exposure to students or staff but said he was impressed with how the situation was handled.

The school had state Department of Health contractors remove the substance and Smith said she expected the classroom will be open for classes on Friday.

A call to Schaeffer Thursday seeking comment was not immediately returned.