A fire broke out at Columbine High School in Denver on Wednesday afternoon, leading to the evacuation of the school and its closure for the rest of the day.

The blaze started outside the woodshop area, sending smoke and causing chaos in the area.

The Fire and Its Quick Containment

The fire, which began around 11 a.m. local time, was quickly contained by fire crews.

It started near the wood dust collector, and while it didn’t spread extensively, it caused enough concern to prompt the evacuation of all students and staff.

Although the fire was under control within minutes, officials decided to shut off the school’s power as a safety precaution.

Evacuation Affects Nearby Schools and Students

The evacuation extended beyond just Columbine High School, as nearby schools also had students present at the time.

Children from local elementary schools, including Ken Caryl Middle School and Columbine Hills Elementary, were attending a theater production when the fire broke out.

These schools were also evacuated, and students were accounted for and safely removed from the premises.

A Dark History Looms Over the School

The fire comes 25 years after the tragic 1999 Columbine shooting, where two students opened fire at the school, killing 12 students and one teacher, and injuring 21 others.

That shooting remains one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, only surpassed by Sandy Hook in 2012.

As the school dealt with the aftermath of the fire, authorities reassured the public that all students were accounted for, though several individuals, including children and two firefighters, were assessed for possible injuries.

School Remains Closed for the Day

In light of the incident, Columbine High School will remain closed for the rest of the day, and students will be sent home after being safely evacuated.

The cause of the fire and any potential damage to the school is still under investigation.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.