An investigation is currently underway at the Centennial School in Wetaskiwin after a fire broke out in the early morning hours of Dec. 10th. 

The fire was contained to one classroom, however smoke damage permeated other areas of the school. 

Crews arrived on scene and were able to get the blaze under control. Nobody was at the school at the time, and no injuries were sustained. 

Students are not returning to the school until after the holiday break on Jan. 6th, however, options classes for the junior high students are being moved to École Queen Elizabeth School.

"The Wetaskiwin Fire Department and our crew responded immediately, and the fire department was able to restrict the fire from spreading to other areas of the school," said Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Pearson. 

"The classroom was damaged significantly and there was smoke damage to the remainder of the school. Given that information, we were in a position of not being able to allow anyone in the school, so we made the decision yesterday, given that the school iso ut here on the 20th, that we would close the school until January 6th."

Dr. Pearson said they continue to work with fire investigators and the remediation company and insurance adjusters have been through the site, and will begin work as the investigation wraps up. 

He added that the staff is coming together to plan for any catch-up they feel is necessary for students in January, but said that since classes were winding down for the break anyway, the students will not be impacted in their educational opportunities. 

From Wetaskiwin Regional Public School Superintendent Dr. Terry Pearson:

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 10, 2019, a fire broke out at Centennial School.  Classes were not in session and no one was in the building. The fire resulted in extensive fire and water damage to Classroom #8, and smoke damage to the remainder of the school.  The Wetaskiwin Fire Department responded to the scene very quickly and ventilated the school preventing major smoke damage.

The Facilities Department is in the process of investigating the cause of the fire and determining the extent of the damage to the remainder of the school facility. At this time students and staff may not enter the school to collect belongings or for any other reason due to health and safety concerns.   

Centennial School will be closed until January 6, 2020. All classes are cancelled, however Junior High School students are welcome to attend École Queen Elizabeth School for their option classes.  Parents will have to provide transportation to and from École Queen Elizabeth School. In addition, all before and after school activities that were planned between today and January 6, 2020 have been cancelled. 

The Fire Department and an Independent Fire Investigator are in the process of investigating the cause of the fire.  Facility Department staff and insurance adjusters toured the school to determine the extent of the damage. ServiceMaster Restore was in attendance to understand the scope of the restoration work.  At this time, we do not have a financial estimate of the damage.

The Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin has shared that they would like to support our families by offering childcare at the downtown location 5109 – 51 Street.  Contact Justin Wyeclaw at Boys and Girls Club 780-352-4643 to inquire.

Please refer to the school and division websites for further updates.  In addition Centennial School families will be notified through School Messenger via email, text and telephone and also on their Facebook @ceCyclones. 

I want to express my thanks to Division staff and emergency personnel who responded to the incident.  As bad as the situation was, their prompt and diligent actions prevented the circumstances from escalating into something worse.

Dr. Terry Pearson, 

Superintendent of Schools