BELLEVILLE — At approximately 7:47 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, the Belleville Fire Department and EMS were alerted to a possible structure fire at the Belleville High School. 

Initial reports were of an electrical smell in the area of the high school and elementary/pool area. Police at the school confirmed the smell but did not locate anything that would be the cause. The high school staff executed a fire drill and began an evacuation of students and staff. 

First responding units from Belleville Fire were alerted to a strong odor at the Elementary School on the way to the High School. Automatic aid from both Verona Fire and New Glarus Fire were sent directly to the high school as Belleville Engine 1 and Engine 2 went to the elementary school. The elementary school also executed a fire drill. 

“This morning was an excellent representation of the schools and emergency services working together to keep everyone safe,” Belleville Fire Captain Jake Myrland said in a press release. “We want to thank those that were involved in this incident and are glad to report no injuries to anyone involved.”

The elementary school was walked through and cleared of any emergency. All fire crews met at the high school and cleared it for any emergency. 

“Alliant Energy staff were alerted to a power outage and possible transformer issue near the school,” Myrland said. “They located a bird and squirrel at the transformer location. That was the cause of the incident this morning.”