Smell of Smoke Causes Thursday Evacuation of Discovery Center in Maple Plain

From the Orono School District:

Discovery Center families received an alert (Thursday), but we wanted all families in the district to have information about an incident that occurred yesterday morning. Children and staff were evacuated from the Discovery Center in Maple Plain about 10 a.m. after an odor of smoke was detected. They went to Christ Lutheran Church across the street.

Local police and fire departments responded promptly, and gave the “all clear” to reoccupy the building after conducting an investigation. A fan in the wall heater by the playground door was determined to be the source of the odor. Everyone was back in Discovery Center—safe and resuming normal activities—approximately 20 minutes later.

Emergency responders complimented staff and children about how well the evacuation went. Children were calm throughout the process.