BENTON CITY, Wash. – Fire crews responded to Kiona-Benton High School this morning after smoke and flames were reported behind the woodshop building.

The fire originated from a piece of equipment inside the wood and metal shop building, according to investigators.

Firefighters from Benton County Fire District Two arrived just before 11:00 a.m. They found heavy smoke coming from an industrial dust-collection unit attached to the shop building, which is separate from the main school.

School staff attempted to control the fire while evacuating students, but firefighters took over upon arrival. They found thick smoke inside and used positive pressure ventilation to prevent it from spreading further into the classroom.

Todd Dormaier, Assistant Chief of Benton County Fire District #2, explai

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