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Brush Fire Forces Orange County School To Go Into Lockdown

Posted: 4:22 pm EST March 27, 2006

A brush fire forced a school into lockdown Monday. The fire got very close to Timber Creek High School in the Avalon Park area of Orange County. It came within 200 feet of portable classrooms.

For students and staff, the fire was a little close for comfort.

"I was buying a prom ticket and we smelled something burning and came out and I saw the smoke," said student Dan Van Neda.

His lunch period was cut short as flames inched dangerously close to Timber Creek High territory. Administrators ordered 1,400 students back in the building and placed the school on lockdown. They also sent about 500 students in portable units to the gym.

Within about an hour, firefighters had the flames contained. They were helped by natural fire breaks around the school.

Administrators brought in busses in case they'd have to evacuate the entire building, but that wasn't needed. The fire was out quickly and students went back to class.

Firefighters aren't sure yet on a cause. They said it’s so dry out, a car, some equipment, a cigarette, anything like that could've caused a spark that ignited the fire.
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