The St. Charles Fire Department is praising students and school officials following a small fire last week at Thompson Middle School.

The Fire Department’s investigation revealed that a small cooking oil fire had ignited shortly before 11:41 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, in a kitchen classroom and was extinguished by putting a lid on the cooking pot. Staff members responded with a fire extinguisher, as well.

Firefighters were on the scene by 11:45 a.m., and upon arrival, removed smoke and helped coordinate evacuation of the building. A student was examined by paramedics and the school nurse, but no injuries were noted.

The cause of the fire is listed as accidental and is attributed to the overheating of the cooking oil. There was no significant fire damage.

Fire Chief Joe Schelstreet praised the students and school officials for their calm demeanor and appropriate conduct.

“The Fire Department would like to recognize the staff and students at Thompson for the prompt evacuation and the method in which this incident was handled,” he said in a news release. “All procedures were followed per protocol.”

The St. Charles Fire Department was assisted by the Geneva, and Batavia fire departments.

SOURCE: St. Charles Fire Department news release