Choctaw County High School damaged in fire

BUTLER, Ala. (WALA) - A massive overnight fire destroyed buildings at Choctaw County High School in Butler, Ala.

The fire was finally contained by 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, but not before a science lab, several classrooms and offices were destroyed, according to Butler Police Chief Jimmy Huckeba.

Parts of the west wing of the school were still smoldering as a ladder truck continued to douse the building with water on Wednesday.

The fire marshal was in the rubble, trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Officials have crime scene tape stretched across the road leading to the school to keep bystanders away from the scene.

Choctaw County School Superintendent Sue Moore was also at the school. School authorities have asked students and faculty to not report to school this morning.

Moore said they are in the process of putting a team together to make plans for the displaced students and faculty.

As of now, no decision has been made as to where they will go. She did however say they are hopeful to have a plan for students to be able to report to class somewhere by next week.

Huckeba told FOX10 the fire started around 7:45 Tuesday night and quickly spread through the west side of the school building. According to authorities, at least six fire departments from throughout the county and outside it fought the fire for several hours.

Photos: Fire blazes at Choctaw High School

Fire crews stayed on-scene throughout the night to check for hot spots. The fire marshal is at the school Wednesday morning to try and determine the cause of the fire.

No students were at the school at the time of the fire and no injuries have been reported at this time.

FOX10’s Hal Scheurich is at the school today and will have the latest details on the fire and what the plans are for the displaced students on FOX10 News at 4 and 5 p.m.