Kealing Middle School cancels classes for second day after fire

AUSTIN, Texas - Classes were canceled on the first day of school for Kealing Middle School due to a fire. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the school district gave an update saying classes would also be canceled on Wednesday, August 21.

The Austin Independent School District says late Monday night, the Austin Fire Department responded to a fire on the second floor of the school. 

The fire was quickly contained and crews immediately began to air out the school with fans and repair the damage caused by the fire and sprinklers.

RELATED STORY: Fire breaks out in Kealing Middle School teachers' lounge

Any students who need to be on campus for any reason will have a safe space with activities in the gym and cafeteria.

Additionally, bagged lunch will be available for pick-up between 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the back of the school off Salina St. near the gym foyer.

Officials say it appears that the fire was related to an overloaded outlet in a classroom and the fire department does not suspect arson.

Kealing Middle School was included in the 2022 bond improvements. The campus was undergoing HVAC electrical and plumbing improvements.

This is not the first time Kealing experienced an electrical fire during a break. 

In December 2022, firefighters responded to a fire in the teachers' lounge where AFD said a fridge was the source of the fire.