Smoke damaged the foyer at Sarel Cilliers High School late last night after a fire started from what is believed to have been a spontaneous reaction caused by chemicals that were being used to strip and clean the wooden floor in the hall.

Workmen packed up at around 6pm last night.  Guards reported seeing smoke coming out of the hall at around 9pm and alerted principal, Kevin van Staden.

Mr van Staden said the fire brigade was also called to the scene. The fire was quickly dealt with but the smoke did cause some damage,

“We can clean up the glass and walls.  Hopefully, the old photographs can also be rescued.  We are just grateful that the fire did not spread and was quickly dealt with,” he said.

The chemicals, including thinners, had been stored in a corner in the foyer.

For more on fires in the area see:

Family still struggling after fire destroys home

Fire guts Tayside home

Fire breaks out at Hajee Jamal home

Fires rage at entrance to Dundee

Runaway fire at SPCA

Glencoe Prison destroyed in huge blaze