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Welding Accident Caused Fire At Worcester High School Under Construction

A welding accident is to blame for a 3-alarm fire that broke out at a school building that is still under construction and sent one person to the hospital in Worcester, authorities said. 

Smoke seen from the fire at the New Doherty High School in Worcester

Smoke seen from the fire at the New Doherty High School in Worcester

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Brianna McCarthy

Worcester firefighters responded to the fire at the New Doherty High School at 299 Highland Street on the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 12, Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche said in a statement.

Upon arrival, crews found heaving fire conditions involving roofing materials that were installed earlier that day, Roche said. Heavy smoke was seen coming from the five-story building for miles.

One construction worker was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, Roche said. Crews took about 30 minutes to contain the fire, he added. 

"The cause of the fire determined to be a welding incident, which ignited the piled roofing material," Roche said. "At the time of the incident, the required hot work permit from the Worcester Fire Department had lapsed. The Worcester Fire Department will not issue another hot work permit until an acceptable construction safety plan is presented and approved." 

Authorities are still working to address the scope of the damage sustained from the fire. 

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