MANCHESTER, NH - Manchester Fire and AMR Ambulance responded to West High School on Notre Dame Ave for a reported fire alarm Friday at about 11:15 a.m.

While en route to the call, dispatch advised responding personnel that the staff advised of a battery fire, with smoke in the building.

Students and staff had evacuated the school to predesignated locations before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters ensured the battery and trash can was removed from the school, and smoke ejection fans were set up to evacuate smoke.

An additional AMR ambulance was requested to the scene to evaluate several people who had been exposed to smoke from the fire.

Manchester Fire Battalion Chief Kenneth Proulx said that a total of five people were evaluated, one was transported to CMC and four did medical sign-offs after being evaluated.

After investigation, it was determined that a lithium battery had been removed from a laptop and placed in the trash. The battery caught fire and a staff member quickly removed the trash can from the building.

Students and staff returned to the building after about 30 minutes and resumed school activities.

The building also is the main office for the Manchester School District

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news