Faulty lightbulb prompts brief evacuation at Freewater School
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER — A faulty lightbulb prompted a brief partial evacuation at Freewater School on Thursday, though officials say the incident resulted in no injuries and minimal damage.
The Milton-Freewater School District reported that a section of the building was cleared after a malfunctioning bulb generated excess heat and a small amount of smoke.
Local fire and law enforcement agencies responded to the scene “out of an abundance of caution,” according to district officials. Superintendent Aaron Duff confirmed that the damage was confined entirely to the single light fixture.
Duff praised the school’s students and staff for their quick response, noting that students and staff followed established emergency drill procedures “perfectly.”
The local fire chief officially cleared the wing shortly after the inspection. The school day has since resumed its normal schedule.
Photo of Freewater School via Milton-Freewater School District
