OLD FORGE, Pa. — Crews are battling a fire at a school in Lackawanna County.
Classes were in session at Triboro Christian Academy along South Main Street in Old Forge when the fire broke out just after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Fire crews from several departments in Lackawanna County responded to the fire.
The building is also home to the Triboro Community Church and a barbershop.
The chief tells Newswatch 16 that workers were repairing and tarring the roof when the tar caught fire. The flames spread to the roof in the front part of the building. Gusty winds helped fuel the fire, and smoke spread through the building.
School officials tell Newswatch 16 that the students have practiced fire drills, and this time practice paid off. Teachers were able to get all the students out of the building safely.
The pastor of Triboro Community Church says he went through the building to make sure everyone was out as crews arrived.
"We do the fire drills like we're supposed to every spring and fall, and I guess we got the real thing today. Everybody did what they were supposed to do. They went to the closest exit and out in orderly fashion," said Pastor Keith Weber.
A state police fire marshal says that the fire was accidental.
There is a lot of smoke and water damage to the building.
There won't be any church services or classes held in the building for the foreseeable future. Students at Triboro Christian Academy will return to online learning on Thursday.
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