Fires both Friday and Sunday on the site of the new Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building project were quickly extinguished, but remain under investigation.
West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Pentucket Superintendent Justin Bartholomew said Sunday’s fire was reported about 3:45 p.m. at the 22 Main St. campus. Firefighters found smoke showing from the roof in the rear of the construction site. A first alarm sounded followed minutes later by a second alarm, sending in mutual aid units from several area communities to the scene. Friday’s fire was reported at 11:20 a.m. In that case, first responders found smoke coming from the roof area of the new high school. Firefighters brought the fire under control within a half-hour.
No injuries were reported either day.
Friday’s fire was not considered suspicious at the time and damage was called “minor.” After Sunday’s fire, officials said, the construction management firm will determine the extent of damages. An investigation is underway by the West Newbury Police Department, West Newbury Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Mutual aid was provided Sunday by the Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury and Newburyport Fire Departments. Atlantic Ambulance also responded.
Bartholomew said the building project is not expected to be delayed, and the district does not expect to incur additional costs.