Fuel spill at school contained

JACKSON - No students or staff members had any contact with spilled diesel fuel during an incident that occurred at the Carl W. Goetz Middle School, Patterson Road, on Oct. 4.

The fuel spill occurred during what school officials said was a routine delivery at the building at about 11 a.m.

"We were able to quickly determine that students were not in any danger and that it was not necessary to evacuate," Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella said. "The spill was cleaned up fairly quickly and at no time were our students or staff in danger."

Allison Erwin, the school district's communications specialist, said a vendor accidentally spilled diesel fuel on an asphalt area outside the school while making a delivery. Between 30 and 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled on the side of school. The fuel is used to heat the building and for the boilers that heat the school's hot water.

Officials said no students or staff members had any contact with the fuel during the incident and the faint odor that could be smelled outside the school was not detectable inside the building. Administrators determined there was no danger to the school, students or staff members while the situation was being addressed.

Jackson police officers and fire companies were on the scene within minutes of the spill. Responders put down absorbent material to contain the spill and facilitate the cleanup.

Gialanella credited the Jackson police and fire companies for their quick and orderly response to the incident.