Students evacuate Enumclaw school after cellphone fire

ENUMCLAW, Wash. - Students were evacuated from Enumclaw Middle School Tuesday morning after a smashed cellphone caught fire, prompting authorities to respond to reports of a small explosive device.

According to the Enumclaw School District (ESD), police and firefighters responded to the school courtyard before 9 a.m.

Investigators quickly determined that the source of the small fire was a cellphone battery that ignited after being thrown to the ground, the ESD said. School staff were able to extinguish the fire quickly, and no injuries were reported.

Both the school and the surrounding area were cleared by police, and students safely returned to the building.

What they're saying:

"We are proud of the swift response by our students and staff, and we are deeply grateful to the Enumclaw Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and Enumclaw Fire Department for their immediate response and support," said Shaun Carey, Superintendent of ESD.

The Source: Information for this story comes from a press release by the Enumclaw School District.