On Sunday, Jan. 3, around 12:30 p.m., a teacher working at Bay Minette Intermediate School smelled smoke and called 911. A fire had erupted in the corner of a classroom at the school. It is suspected that it may have been caused by an electrical outlet but the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The classroom will have to be thoroughly cleaned and repaired which will take some time.

The fire will not delay teachers returning Monday, Jan. 4 nor students returning Jan. 5.

Superintendent Eddie Tyler surveyed the damage. He said, “We’re grateful the damage is limited to one classroom. I’d like to thank the teacher who called 911, which spared us from a much larger problem. The response of the Bay Minette Fire Department was very quick, and we thank all of those who responded. Several of our BCBE personnel were on the scene shortly after the call went out, and they came up with a plan to restore the classroom.”