Fire destroys part of high school in Pocatello

POCATELLO, Idaho — The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 provided updates on the Highland High School fire that began in the early morning on Friday.

The fire was reported at 3:57am Friday morning, and firefighters were able to contain the fire by 12:37pm. They are still on-site to monitor and address hotspots and are expected to be present for the next 24 hours.

The building destroyed was to host the school's prom on Saturday, April 22. Idaho State University has offered a space in their Student Union Ballroom so students can still have the event.

Classes will be held virtually, and state testing postponed until further notice.

In-person instruction will resume once the investigation is completed and the building is cleared and declared safe by officials. Plans are being developed for students and staff to retrieve any personal belongings in the impacted areas.

At this time, the following details have been reported by the district and confirmed by officials:

No one was injured in the blaze.

The fire impacted the D-wing. The fire doors operated as intended; therefore, preliminary reports indicate B, Upper B and C wings are not damaged by fire, but there is significant water on the floor surface. Full damage caused by water and smoke is still being assessed.

The power is currently off for the entire facility.

The Pocatello Police Department will continue to patrol the area and no one will be permitted on-site until further notice. Community members are asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues and request no flying drones over the school.

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Highland High School in Pocatello was in flames early Friday morning.

KIFI states that a fire was reported at the high school at approximately 4:00 am Friday morning.

The Pocatello Fire Department says that Building D, which includes the cafeteria, gymnasium, choir and band rooms, is a total loss. A few classrooms were also damaged.

The facility has also incurred smoke damage, and firefighters are still working on hot spots.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.