Students and staff of the Atlantic Middle School will be “Unable to occupy [the building] for the foreseeable future,” according to Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber, while mitigation strategies related to a fire that occurred Tuesday, are under way.  That was the consensus among mitigation inspectors following a fire that caused an estimated $875,000 damage to the roof that was under repair, and water damage to a good portion of the building. The price mentioned was the bid for Phase I mitigation from FirstOnSite Property Restoration, which the School Board approved during the emergency session. Phase I includes the removal of the water and deodorization of the structure. The District’s deductible is $5,000.

The School Board held an Emergency Meeting 8-p.m. Wednesday, to act on bids for the mitigation of fire-related damages. They heard from EMC Insurance Corporate Loss Specialist Scott Signor, who said he and Precision Roofing were on site Wednesday and walked the roof lines of the building, especially what they called “The area of origin.” He said they are developing what are being called “Temp repairs.”

Signor said something has to be built around the area of origin, and that “An area of subrogation may be possible as far as why the loss started.” He said several companies must first be put on notice and complete an inspection by several entities. The structure would have to be constructed over and above the affected area and then temporary repairs conducted over the entire area where it had burned. That while section was in the process of being replaced when the fire broke out. The temporary repairs would at least limit any future interior migration from rain that is expected in the next few days, and get the rain moving in the direction of the drains.

Signor said mitigation is just the first phase, and has nothing to do with repairs, the price of which will be significant. Signor said there were only four-to six rooms that were without apparent damage from the fire, smoke and water. Those rooms are located he said, in the southwest corner of the Middle School. “All other rooms are affected either substantially or less substantially,” according to Signor.

Barber and Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen will organize a Google Document that will be a schedule of when personal items remaining in the building may be retrieved. If those items are damaged or destroyed, they will have to be identified by their owner and a general price provided, as allowed by the insurance policy. Signor echoed the sentiments of Mr. Barber, and the District’s local insurance agent Kip Harris, in saying that the quick response from Atlantic and other area fire departments, and the fact there was a thick concrete roof underneath the lining, saved the building from much more severe damage. He said firefighters “Did an outstanding job.”