Smoke filled the halls of LM around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, prompting a nonstop fire alarm and quick evacuation of staff and students. The source of the smoke was a roll of toilet paper, reportedly set on fire in the first-floor boys’ bathroom by the World Language hallway.

Numerous students were in the building at the time of the incident due to after-school clubs like Crew, Players, and TSA. Lucia Ridgeway ’26 shared her experience during the evacuation: “The hallways were full of smoke. My friend, Liana, and I had to gawk at the firefighter from the entrance near where the bathrooms had caught fire.”

Firefighter Dave Solazzo, in a short interview with Dylan Silberman ’25, reported seeing smoke in the bathroom before putting it out with a fire extinguisher: “I heard some screaming and they said there was a fire in the boys’ room. I went down there and found that the toilet paper dispenser was on fire and fully engulfed and I put it down with the fire extinguisher.” Afterward, a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to dispel the huge amount of smoke—reportedly reaching the third floor.

In a message sent to parents that same afternoon, the school reassured families that no student was hurt, and everyone was properly evacuated. The Lower Merion Police and Fire Departments continued their investigation into who caused the fire.

The school, in collaboration with local authorities, reviewed surveillance footage, and appropriate actions were reportedly taken in order to prevent such an event from repeating. Dr. Johnson expressed confidence in how the situation was handled: “People responded the way they were supposed to. People exited the building, and 911 was called so that the emergency responders showed up in a timely manner.”

When asked about disciplinary actions being taken, Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of the ACES expectations established at his arrival: “I think the big important message is that the ACES expectations exist for a reason. We want people to be accountable and make good decisions—to think about their safety and others.” He added, “We’re always reminding students to follow the expectations, do the things you’re supposed to do.”

He also shared his perspective on how the situation was handled: “I think that our preparations and the way people responded are evidence that we’re prepared to respond to something like that if it were to happen again.”

Despite the swift response, some students felt like more could’ve been done by the school. Ezra Ftaiha ’25 commented: “I think the school could’ve done more to address the situation, that idea of a fire in school is pretty scary.”

However, Johnson maintained that appropriate communication steps were taken: “Something happened after school and the people who were here, impacted by it, knew that. We didn’t do wider communication with anyone with regard to that. We did share with the Central office and the school board that a fire alarm went off and the things that needed to happen, happened…No one was in danger and if we had a heightened need, [then] we would have done more to make people aware.”

An independent investigation by The Merionite revealed that the bathroom was cleaned and reopened before the following day. All physical evidence of the incident had been completely taken out and replaced.

Students are encouraged to speak with counselors or administrators if they have any relevant information or need counseling services if feeling anxious following the event.