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Westward Elementary School evacuated for smell of smoke

West Palm Beach firefighters inspect school, deem it safe for students to return
West Palm Beach firefighters respond to Westward Elementary School, located at 1101 Golf Avenue in West Palm Beach, Jan. 13, 2023 (1).jpg
Posted at 9:59 AM, Jan 13, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-13 10:44:52-05

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Westward Elementary School in West Palm Beach was evacuated Friday morning following reports of a smell of smoke.

Aerial video from WPTV Chopper 5 showed dozens of students and staff members standing under a covered walkway outside the school, located at 1101 Golf Avenue, along with more sitting along a fence line on campus.

West Palm Beach firefighters respond to Westward Elementary School, located at 1101 Golf Avenue in West Palm Beach, Jan. 13, 2023.jpg
West Palm Beach firefighters respond to Westward Elementary School, located at 1101 Golf Avenue in West Palm Beach, Jan. 13, 2023.

West Palm Beach firefighters could be seen using a ladder truck to reach the roof of the school.

In addition, workers were spotted laying large white boards on portions of the roof.

West Palm Beach firefighters respond to Westward Elementary School, located at 1101 Golf Avenue in West Palm Beach, Jan. 13, 2023 (2).jpg
West Palm Beach firefighters respond to Westward Elementary School, located at 1101 Golf Avenue in West Palm Beach, Jan. 13, 2023.

The School District of Palm Beach County said firefighters were called to the school for a smell of smoke and the evacuation was precautionary.

Firefighters inspected the school and determined it was safe for students to return to class, the district said.