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Pep rally fire causes injuries at Fla. school

Posted at 7:22 AM, Mar 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-17 11:48:32-04

At least eight people were injured during a pep rally Thursday morning at Atlantic Community High School in Florida, according to Delray Beach Fire Rescue.

One student said an adult performer was brought in for St. Patrick's Day.

Fire was part of the program and the performer suffered burns and was transported as a trauma alert to Delray Medical Center, fire rescue said. The extent of his injuries is unclear.

Several students were treated for breathing problems.

"The school staff was quick to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and unfortunately, due to the powder from the extinguisher, there were a few inhalation injuries. All in all, we did transport eight individuals from the school. Only one was transported as a trauma alert the other seven were transported for non-life threatening injuries," said Delray Beach Fire Rescue Capt. Ed Beardsley.

The district said there was no explosion.

A student said administrators and teachers did a good job keeping students calm.

The school has contacted parents if their child suffered inhalation problems and classes have now resumed.