Crime & Safety

Pulled Fire Alarm Prompts Chilly Evacuation at Old Quarry Middle School

Students and staff spent approximately 15 minutes at the nearby Lemont Park District after a fire alarm was intentionally pulled in the music hallway, school officials said.

Students and staff at were evacuated Thursday afternoon after a fire alarm was intentionally pulled in the school's music hallway.

The alarm sounded at approximately 1:08 p.m., prompting the school to respond with the appropriate emergency prodedures, said Old Quarry Assistant Principal Shirley Kleehammer. 

The responded to the incident, and found no fire. Upon closer inspection, Old Quarry Principal Bill Caron and fire officials concluded that a fire alarm box was intentionally pulled in the music hallway, Kleehammer said.

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students and staff were given clearance to re-enter the building at approximately 1:23 p.m.

Although the temperature was below freezing when the building was evacuated—and building occupants were forced to exit without grabbing their coats—Kleehammer said students and staff kept warm at the  and , both located in the nearby campus.

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students in wheelchairs sat in staff members' cars to avoid traveling on the snowy sidewalks between the school and the park district, she said.

Kleehammer said school officials will begin an investigation to identify the student or group of students who pulled the fire alarm.

"This is a serious offense that will result in serious consequences for the students involved," she said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.