Carson City fire personnel are investigating heavy water damage this afternoon at Carson Middle School.
An initial fire alarm call from the school, located at 1440 King Street, came into city dispatch around noon.
Significant water damage, roof leaks and some flooding is being reported after a subsequent review of at least one of the classrooms and the main hallway, said Bob Charles, battalion chief for the Carson City Fire Department.
Custodial personnel are also at the school. There has been damage to some sheet rock and on the carpets in areas between the recently remodeled and older areas of the building, said Charles.
Fire personnel were alerted to the problem after the electric system within the school tripped an alarm.
The electric system appears to be shorted because of the water leaks and the school’s fire system may have to be shut down, Charles said.
Fire personnel are on the roof of the building, which is covered with about 8 to 9 inches of heavy slushy snow. They are trying to determine if there is indeed structural roof damage to the recently remodeled building.
“As it continues to melt it could make it much worse,” he said.
If the electric-based fire alarm system is shut down, the school would go on fire watch, which would mean some kind of personnel would have to remain at the school if it is occupied.
But with school out for the winter break, that may not be a factor. School resumes Monday, Jan. 3.