Classes Resume at Pentucket Regional Middle High School After Fire Cleanup

“Pentucket” means “the place by the winding river.” As such, the new Panthers logo includes the Merrimack River and three trees, reflecting the three sending communities in the Pentucket Regional School District seal. (Courtesy graphic.)

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Pentucket Regional Middle High School reopens for classes Wednesday, Jan. 29, following a weekend trash barrel fire that brought smoke odors and residues.

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew said Tuesday walls, floors and flat surfaces were cleaned and all air filters and fire extinguishers replaced. He credited “diligent efforts by a professional fire remediation team, supported by the Pentucket facilities and custodial teams” for clearing the kitchen and other impacted areas for student and staff use.

“All things considered; this could have been much worse,” he said.

Bartholomew added the robotics and shop area are still under repair, but they are expected to reopen by the weekend. The auditorium, however, sustained smoke damage and is sealed off, pending further evaluation.

Bartholomew said previously the Saturday fire began in a trash barrel on stage that was used to dispose of sawdust from stage work. Members of the Robotics team, a Pentucket staff member and a West Newbury police officer extinguished the flames and there were no injuries.

School administrators are working on a plan to make up for two missed class days.

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