Blaze drama for 900 students | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A fire in the learning centre at Katikati College  caused a full evacuation of the school's 900 students.

The blaze filled the centre with smoke and scorched the roof's lining. 

 Fire broke out about 10.45am yesterday in a fluorescent light on the ceiling of a room used by a range of students, including those with special needs.

Katikati College associate principal Shelley Power said  when it happened the school's caretaker was already inside the room investigating the light, after it had generated a strange smell.

A full evacuation of the school was already under way  at the time.

When firefighters arrived, the room was filled with smoke caused by a melted light fitting. Two firefighters wearing breathing equipment entered the room.

The lining of the roof was scorched by the blaze but Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade senior firefighter Brendan Gibbs, who was  co-ordinating the scene, said he thought most of the fire was out when firefighters got inside.

Read more in today's Bay of Plenty Times