UPDATE: Orono Students Evacuated After Sprinklers Activate; All OK

Orono Middle School was evacuated late Thursday morning after the building's sprinkler system was activated.

All students, about 700 in all, were transported to the high school and remained there as of noon.

Exactly what triggered the sprinkler system's activation remains unclear. Scanner reports and Twitter traffic indicate EMS crews were dispatched to check on about 10 students with unknown debris on their clothing.

Sources inside the school district say the students were hit by spray from the sprinklers and found to be fine.

An alert was issued via phone by the school district to parents updating them on the situation and stressing all children are safe.

The Orono Police Department and Long Lake Fire Department responded to the scene and are investigating what caused the sprinklers to activate.

"Staff and first responders did an amazing job today in keeping our students safe and protecting our property," Orono Superintendent Dr. Karen Orcutt wrote in an afternoon bulletin to parents.

The extent of damage is unknown but believed to be contained to a cluster of eighth-grade class roooms on the main level and the eighth-grade down house.

Students are expected to return to the school to finish the day and be dismissed as usual.

Patch will have additional updates to this story as they become available.