Fire at Dubai school cancels classes

Fire at Wellington International School prompts school administrators to cancel classes.

DUBAI // An international school was closed this morning due to a small fire in the canteen.

The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at the Wellington International School which is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.

According to Gems, the operator of the school, the incident occurred before the start of the school day but prompted them to cancel classes for the day.

"A decision was made to cancel school for the day because student safety is our top priority and we had to be absolutely sure that all areas were secure," said a Gems spokesperson.

He said it was a minor fire and that all the staff and pupils were safe.

"The relevant authorities have not requested a site visit because ... Gems is repairing the minor damage and checking facilities over the weekend."

A parent of a primary pupil at the school said the situation was well managed by the teachers.

"We were told there was a small electrical fire in the canteen," said the mother who did not wish to be named.

"There were teachers at every entry point of the school informing parents school was closed for the day."

The spokesperson said for added assurance they had commissioned an independent assessment of the facilities to ensure safety.

The school will reopen on Sunday.

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