Joseph Charter School students were enjoying a leisurely lunch. Within minutes they would find their world turned upside down.
Eight-grader Nathan Bosch got a surprise when he headed for the weight room on the second level of the JCS gym, Sather Court. “I heard a buzzing sound,” he said. “I looked up and there was white smoke coming from the ceiling. Then the fire alarm went off. I just ran.” He ran in the right direction-- to the office and reported where he’d seen smoke.
School fire drills had paid off. Within five minutes, and closer to three, every student was out of the school and harm’s way. Many left their jackets, backpacks and other possessions in their classrooms.
“The emergency responders, especially Joseph Fire got here really fast,” said Christina Eaves. Eaves was serving food in the lunch line when the fire alarm went off. She said that the school filled with smoke very quickly, and that teachers gathered their classes and exited the building rapidly.