Ferrucci Junior High Fire Restoration

Status: In Progress

We are currently working with advisors to investigate the cause and full scope of the issue at Ferrucci Junior High. This phase focuses on understanding conditions and ensuring safety before any work occurs.

• The cause and extent of damage are being carefully evaluated.
• Student and staff safety, accountability, and transparency are the top priorities.
• Independent experts and specialists are leading the assessment process.
• The goal of this phase is to determine how to safely prepare the building for future student use.
• District staff are locating spaces, materials, and hardware to provide students with in-person learning as soon as possible.

Status: Cleanup Started; Building Not in Use

Initial cleanup and stabilization work has begun to prevent further damage and to maintain the integrity of the building.

• Crews are addressing immediate concerns identified during the investigation.
• The Ferrucci Junior High buildings and grounds remain closed and are not currently in use.
• Work in this phase focuses on stabilizing the site and preparing for future construction.

Status: Not Yet Started

Construction and restoration will begin once investigation and cleanup phases are complete.

• Repairs will be completed through a planned, phased approach.
• Work will be carefully coordinated to manage cost, quality, and safety.
• Capital investments will be made responsibly to protect community resources.

Status: Not Yet Started

Before reopening, the building will undergo multiple inspections to ensure all systems are safe and fully operational.

• Structural, environmental, and system inspections will be completed.
• Building systems will be tested and verified.
• All local, state, and regulatory standards must be met before moving forward.

Status: Pending Completion of Prior Phases

This final phase confirms the building is ready for students and staff.

• The facility is formally accepted once all requirements are met.
• Ferrucci Junior High is confirmed to be safe, functional, and ready for occupancy.
• The community’s investment in the school is protected and upheld.

Occupancy approval has not yet been granted.

Environmental testing indicates that remediation standards have been met in the areas that have completed cleanup. Authorized personnel may enter approved spaces for project-related purposes.

However, the building is not yet approved for occupancy. Before staff and students can return, the District must complete additional work and receive approval from:

• City of Puyallup
• Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
• Washington State Labor & Industries

These approvals have not been granted.

Since the April 2026 battery inverter fire, the District has completed extensive remediation activities throughout the building. These efforts included:

• Removal of fire-related particulates and contamination.
• Removal of affected porous materials such as carpet, drywall, and ceiling tiles.
• Cleaning and treatment of impacted areas.
• Environmental testing throughout the building.
• Clearance testing in the old building and most areas of the new addition.

Testing completed between May 22 and July 17 confirmed that remediation work has been successfully completed in these areas.

Important Distinction

A building can be environmentally cleared for construction access while still not being approved for daily occupancy. The investigation is ongoing.

Some porous building materials and certain personal belongings affected by smoke or water exposure could not be restored and were removed during remediation. Please contact HR for more information.

A reopening date has not been set. The district will share a timeline when evaluations, planning and regulatory reviews provide enough information for one to be available.

The following decisions have been made:

• The building will remain closed.
• The site will continue operating as an active construction area.
• Reconstruction planning will move forward.
• Environmental remediation work will continue where needed.
• Critical building systems will be evaluated and restored before any reopening decision is considered

Several major decisions cannot be made until evaluations, testing, permitting and agency reviews are complete.

Pending decisions include:

• Reopening timeline.
• Occupancy approval.
• Final reconstruction schedule.
• Restoration approach for affected building systems.
• Return-to-building plans for staff and students.

The April 4 incident at Ferrucci Junior High School involved lead-acid batteries, not lithium-ion or lithium-based batteries. Because of this, the potential contaminants and risks are different from those associated with lithium battery fires.

The district has retained Orion Environmental Services, an independent and certified environmental consulting firm, to conduct all assessment and cleanup verification work. Testing and evaluation focus on potential lead-containing soot and acidic residue, which are the primary concerns associated with a lead-acid battery fire.

Environmental sampling has included:

• Areas immediately affected by the fire
• Adjacent spaces within the building
• Evaluation of HVAC components, where appropriate

All cleanup actions and clearance testing are being performed in accordance with applicable health and regulatory standards. No areas will be returned to use until testing confirms the spaces meet required safety criteria.

Student and staff safety remains the district’s highest priority, and decisions are being made based on verified data from qualified environmental professionals.