This is a developing story. Details are preliminary and subject to change as more information becomes available.
Newport City Fire Department and Newport Police were dispatched at approximately 3:28 PM on May 31 to Newport City Elementary School at 166 SCIUS Avenue for a commercial fire alarm activation. Initial reports indicate the alarm originated from a pull station on the first floor of the new addition. At 4:09 PM, firefighters on scene reported that the cause was a malfunctioning motor-driven air unit on the roof. According to Fire 13, one of seven units was found with its top open and not running, emitting an odor. The unit was likely the source of the alarm. At 4:10 PM, firefighters confirmed that the unit's power switch was on but no noise was coming from the electric motor, leading to the conclusion that the unit had broken down. The building was checked and no fire or hazards were found.
Photo: Sgt. Eric Glassey (Wikimedia Commons, Public domain). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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