Vero Beach High School evacuated after fire in boy's bathroom

VERO BEACH — A small fire in a boy's bathroom at Vero Beach High School led to an hour-long evacuation Monday morning, officials reported.

Nobody was injured when the fire broke out about 10 a.m. Monday in the first-floor restroom, according to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.

Indian River County Fire Rescue, Vero Beach police and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office all responded to the fire, reported shortly after 10 a.m.

More: Plane crashes on railroad tracks off U.S. 1 in Vero Beach

More: Man intentionally set fire in Port St. Lucie home, Fire District says

The blaze was out when firefighters arrived, but there was considerable smoke in the area, said Cory Richter, assistant chief and spokesman for Indian River County Fire Rescue.

Firefighters worked to ventilate the building with fans.

At about 12:30 p.m., Vero Beach High School parents received an automated message notification from the Indian River County School District about the incident.

The fire was “quickly extinguished,” the message said.

More: Sprinklers help keep fire under control at Palm City business

More: Changing its policy, Indian River County offers light-duty option to pregnant firefighters

An AP chemistry exam had been underway for 20 minutes when the fire alarm rang out, said Cristen McMillan, spokeswoman for Indian River County Schools. Students taking the exam evacuated, and will be offered a free makeup test later this month.

Students returned to their classes about 11 a.m.

Four first-floor classrooms near the fire were closed for the remainder of the day because of the smoke, McMillan said.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating.

More: Contact TCPalm with news tips