LEEDS, Ala. — A lightning strike is believed to have sparked a fire that caused significant damage to Leeds Primary School on Friday, June 6, officials confirmed.
Leeds Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a fire at the school, which educates roughly 500 students from pre-K through first grade, just before 5 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a stubborn blaze hidden within a concealed space inside the building’s structure. The crew launched an aggressive interior firefighting operation while conducting a thorough search to ensure no students or staff were inside. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
Following an investigation led by the Alabama State Fire Marshal, it was determined that a lightning strike was the cause of the fire. This conclusion allowed cleanup crews to begin restoration work starting Saturday.
Photos released by Leeds City Schools show the extent of the damage, including debris scattered from collapsed ceiling tiles and daylight visible through a gap in the damaged roof. The district acknowledged the severity of the situation but expressed relief that the destruction was largely contained to one section of the school.
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On Monday, district officials planned to meet with their recovery team—including insurance representatives, architects, and remediation specialists—to map out a timeline for repairs. Updates will be shared with the community as progress unfolds.
“We are truly touched by the outpouring of support from our community,” the district said in a social media statement. “The kind words, prayers, and offers of assistance reflect the heart of Leeds. While the damage is considerable, it could have been far worse.”
Leeds Fire & Rescue extended thanks to neighboring departments from Irondale, Moody, and Pell City, as well as Regional Paramedic Services, for their rapid and crucial support. They also recognized the Leeds Police Department and school staff for their efforts in managing the incident.
In the wake of the fire, the district announced that its scheduled Literacy and Math Camps on Monday will be relocated to Leeds Elementary School to ensure continuity of programming for students.
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Did you know?
Lightning strikes cause thousands of fires in the United States each year, often igniting fires in remote areas or structures with hidden vulnerabilities, such as concealed wall spaces or attics. Schools, with their complex infrastructure and large populations, require swift and coordinated emergency responses to keep students safe during such events.
This incident highlights the importance of ongoing investment in school safety infrastructure, including fire detection systems and lightning protection measures. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as the school district navigates the recovery process.
