At approximately 1320 this afternoon, Bellevue PD began receiving reports from staff at the Bellevue Elementery School of someone burning in a burn pit in a residence next door to the school causing smoke and the odor with it to begin entering the school gymnasium. With Bellevue PD units unavailable, Engine 108 was alerted to the run to investigate. Upon arrival at the residence on South Howard a small, unattended fire was found in the backyard of the residence next to the school. The Engine Company extinguished the fire and informed the homeowner of the situation and ordinances regarding burning in the borough.

After clearing the fire, the Engine Company thought it a good idea to drop by the Elementary School and investigate to see if the smoke and odor had cleared from the gymnasium area. Upon entry crews found no more evident odor or visible smoke. However, crews were also alerted that multiple children had been taken to the nurses office with symptoms ranging from anxiety to chest pain to shortness of breath to asthma attacks as a result of the smoke. The Engine crew made their way to the nurses office and were met with a room full of students totaling eight (8) that had become sick as a result of the smoke. 108-45 (Turkovich) immediately relayed this information and requested a medic unit response from Station 192. The Engine Crew (Davin, Horlick, Jackson and Turkovich) immediately set up for triage operations and began evaluating the students. A short time later 108 Lieutenant 1 (Pritchard Jr.) arrived on scene and assumed the Triage Command.

Units remained on scene for over an hour evaluating students, assisting with contacting pt's parents/guardians, assisting with pt packaging, extrication and logistical support. A total of eight (8) students were seen by the Engine Company. Six (6) students were released into the custody of their parents/guardians with minor symptoms and follow up with their Primary Care Physician and two (2) were transported for precautionary reasons to Children's Hospital in Bloomfield.

A great job to all Bellevue Firemen, NorthWest EMS personnell and Bellevue Elementary School staff for a job well done!