Updated: Ernest Ward Middle Placed On Brief Lockdown After Alarm System Malfunction

May 21, 2024

Ernest Ward Middle School was placed into a lockdown today out of an “abundance of caution” after an alarm system malfunctioned and a “code red” alert was activated.

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a fire alarm that originated in the school gym Tuesday after a ball struck a pull station. According to Davis Wood, county public safety public information officer, the fire department determined that there was no smoke or fire.

The alarm system sounded additional times a bit later. During repair of the alarm system, the “code red” alert was inadvertently activated.

“It’s a malfunction of the automated alarm system, but law enforcement is searching the school in an abundance of caution,” Cody Strother, Escambia County Public School spokesman said during the “code red” lockdown.

By 1:10 p.m., the all-clear was given and the school returned to a normal day.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News