There was a fire at Garibaldi Secondary in Maple Ridge on Tuesday evening, June 11, and the school is closed on Wednesday morning.

The fire was contained that night, but the 900 students who attend there will get a day off as firefighters assess the damage and ensure the safety of the building, according to a post on the School District 42 Facebook page.

Maple Ridge Fire Rescue Crews were called to the school at approximately 9 p.m., and found smoke coming out of the building. They found a fire in the kitchen area. The blaze and extinguishing of the flames caused smoke and water damage in the kitchen, cafeteria and some adjacent classrooms.

"Our crews did a really good job getting quick entry and sourcing out the seat of the fire," said Maple Ridge fire chief (interim) Dave Samson.

He said the fire is not suspicious, and the source appears to be kitchen linens in laundry baskets that caught fire. The cause has not been verified, and the investigation is ongoing, but Samson said hot linens containing cooking oil could ignite.

The fire triggered the school's sprinkler system, and firefighters used squeegees and vacuums to remove water.

"Crews went above and beyond with water removal, understanding the impacts to the community of a school fire," said Samson.

There were no injuries.

Garibaldi will reopen on Thursday for classes, but the cafeteria and kitchen will remain closed for the remainder of the school year, according to school principal Ian Liversidge, as staff cleans and restores the impacted areas. 

"We are deeply appreciative for the quick response and great work last night by the Maple Ridge Fire Department," he added.