Firefighters praised for quick response to Park Primary blaze in Invergordon as probe into cause continues; Highland Council plans updating families next week as future education plans thrown back into spotlight
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FIREFIGHTERS called out to tackle a fire at an Easter Ross school have been praised for their quick response.
Cromarty Firth ward councillor Maxine Smith made her remarks after firefighters attended the blaze at Park Primary in Invergordon just after 7am this morning.
It came a year after another blaze at the same school put the primary out of commission shortly before the first coronavirus lockdown.
Cllr Smith said fire breaks established by the crews called out had contained the fire to 20 per cent of the old Victorian building.
The site is still being dampened down and meetings are already under way between officials ahead of an expected update for parents next week.
Ten fire tenders and a high-lift vehicle attended the blaze which shocked the local community.
Cllr Smith said: "They quickly set up two fire breaks which successfully contained the fire. Well done to the firefighters and police.
"The school is obviously waterlogged and needs to dry out. Investigations are ongoing and structural engineers are waiting to go on site.
"Please stay away from the site as the building is unstable and will be secured by high fencing and a police presence late into the evening. Advise your children to stay well away. The ground may also be unstable. Safety is being given priority.
"It will be some time before the cause can be ascertained but it’s being worked on. Meantime let’s not make it up."
She said there would be be a virtual meeting on Monday evening for Park Primary families.
She said: "Our thoughts are with them and the authorities are putting everything into place for counselling those families that are traumatised and a family liaison council officer will be appointed in the next few days to assist with concerns.
"The education department will communicate fully with all parents throughout the week giving full updates."
She said head teacher Karen Cox had also been in attendance along with parent council chair, Mark Lancaster.
She said: "All four local councillors, Carolyn Wilson, Mike Finlayson, Pauline Munro and myself ,are working together to ease families through this situation and find suitable outcomes in the short and long-term for the children’s schooling. This will be in full consultation with the community of Invergordon."
Photo reveals scale of damage to school
WATCH: Dramatic footage as firefighters bring blaze under control
Second major fire breaks out at Park Primary
