In-person learning was canceled Friday after a fire damaged Highland Park High School and knocked out critical infrastructure, school officials said.
Township High School District 113 Superintendent Bruce Law sent an email to parents and students on Friday alerting them to the situation.
Law said the fire occurred early Friday morning at Highland Park High School, located at 433 Vine Avenue, and in-person instruction was moved to remote learning for the day.
No one was injured and investigators believe the fire was likely caused by a lithium battery pack.
“While the fire itself was contained to a closet, smoke filled the hallways throughout the school, and debris and heat from the fire affected adjacent spaces that house critical IT and operational infrastructure,” Law said.
Smoke and fire detection systems were knocked out and telephone service and the public address system were down following the incident.
School officials said they expect that smoke and fire detection systems will be restored by Monday.
They also expect critical IT infrastructure to be restored by Monday, including telephones and the public address system.
Law said that smoke from the fire affected air quality in the building and air quality test results are pending.
“Although mitigation efforts began early Friday morning, we do not have results from air quality tests that we will need to assure our students, parents/guardians, and staff that the air quality in the school meets EPA air quality standards,” Law said in the email.
The school district will make a decision by 12 p.m. Sunday about whether they are able to operate in-person school on Monday.
School staff will be available from 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the event that classes on Monday are not in-person and students need anything from the building.