HS Steam Pipe Bursts, Students Out in Cold

West Orange High School students and staff were forced to evacuate the building and stand out in the cold 18-degree weather Wednesday afternoon for more than 20 minutes after a steam pipe burst in the boiler room, West Orange fire officials said. 

According to the fire department, a steam pipe broke in boiler room at about 2:10 and filled the room with steam. The steam spilled out into the hallway and set the school's fire alarms off at 2:13 p.m.

Students and staff were then forced to exit the building, located at 51 Conforti Ave., without coats, officials said. 

Fire Deputy Chief Paul Wannemacher said the crew worked as quickly as possible to get the students and staff back in the school possible because of weather conditions.

A reverse 911 call from the district around 4 p.m. said buses transporting students home from school were delayed 15-20 minutes because of the incident.