Fire Erupts at Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, Thousands Evacuated

Fire at Kennedy High School

• 🚨 A fire broke out on the roof of a building under construction at John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills.
• 🏫 The incident prompted the evacuation of approximately 2200 students.
• 💨 Thick black smoke was visible throughout the San Fernando Valley, causing some students to cough.

Student Reactions and Evacuation

• 🎭 Initially, students thought the fire alarm was a false alarm due to frequent occurrences, but realized it was real amidst chaos.
• 🏃‍♀️ Students evacuated their classrooms, some in PE clothes, leaving behind personal belongings like phones and backpacks.
• 🏈 The initial evacuation point was the football field, later moved to the baseball field.

Firefighting Efforts and Cause

• 🔥 Nearly three dozen firefighters responded and extinguished the flames in about 25 minutes.
• 🛠️ Fire officials suspect welding on the roof may have caused the fire.
• 🧱 Firefighters used ladders and forcible entry tools to access the roof and prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings.

Aftermath and Safety

• ✅ Fortunately, no injuries were reported among students or staff.
• 🏫 The fire occurred in the old school library, which was undergoing renovation.
• 🚗 An early dismissal led to commotion as parents arrived to pick up their children, with authorities urging them to stay clear of the gate to facilitate emergency access.