SEDGWICK COUNTY — A second fire in a week at elementary schools in Derby is prompting charges in kitchens at the schools.
At about 8 p.m. on Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to Tanglewood Elementary School, 830 North Ridgecrest Road in Derby, after the head custodian reported smoke inside the building. Auto-aid crews from Sedgwick County Fire District 1 and Mulvane Fire also responded.
Crews arrived and found light smoke in the cafeteria, which led them to the kitchen. Firefighters located a fire mostly contained inside a grease/water separator. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and remove the separator from the building. Other than light smoke, there was no other damage.
"We are incredibly grateful for Tanglewood Elementary’s head custodian, Rose, who was working this evening, recognized that something wasn’t right, and acted immediately. Her quick response helped prevent a more serious situation. Thank you Rose."
While there is a lingering smoke odor in portions of the building, air scrubbers will be used to clear the smell and ensure the building is ready for students and staff to return on Tuesday.
A similar fire involving a grease/water separator occurred at Derby Hills Elementary last Sunday. Because this is the second failure involving this type of equipment in a week, USD 260 Operations staff are disconnecting all grease/water separators of the same make and model as a precaution until Derby Fire Investigators can determine why the devices are failing.