A quick-thinking custodian at Wendler Middle School is being credited with preventing a potentially serious fire after spotting and extinguishing an electrical fire early Wednesday morning.
According to the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD), the incident began when a hallway light fixture started to smolder. Acting immediately, the custodian grabbed a fire extinguisher and doused the smoking fixture with dry chemicals, successfully stopping the fire before it could spread.
All school employees evacuated the building as a precaution until firefighters arrived to ensure the area was safe. After verifying that the danger had been completely neutralized, AFD commended the custodian’s quick response and calm action under pressure, which likely prevented further damage.
Firefighters also took a moment to spotlight a model example of hydrant maintenance near the school. The nearby fire hydrant had been perfectly cleared of snow, with a visible trail and an open base, allowing instant access in case of emergency.
“This is exactly how hydrants should look during Alaska’s snowy months,” firefighters wrote in their update, praising both the school and maintenance staff for their preparedness.
The department reminded residents that while Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility crews work to clear hydrants citywide, community members’ help is vital. AFD emphasized that Every second firefighters spend shoveling out a hydrant delays getting water on a fire
Thanks to the custodian’s vigilance and the school’s commitment to safety, Wendler Middle School reopened without major damage, a strong reminder of how readiness and teamwork can make all the difference.
News Source: Anchorage Fire Department
