picture courtesy Bend Fire

A fire alarm at Miller Elementary School on NW Crosby sounded around 9pm Sunday, prompting a swift response from Bend Fire & Rescue. Crews traced the alarm to the gym, discovering a fire in the custodians’ workshop caused by a lithium battery failure. The fire sprinkler system activated, containing the blaze to the workshop, although smoke and water spread into the gym. Firefighters worked alongside school staff for over an hour to ventilate and clean affected areas. School officials canceled school for Monday. Experts remind the public that while lithium batteries are useful, storing and handling them properly is essential for safety.