Part of Elizabeth Forward High School auditorium to be razed

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Heavy equipment was transported to Elizabeth Forward High School on Wednesday to start a partial demolition of the fire ravaged auditorium.
Sunday’s fire led to “several significant issues,” including fire, water, smoke and structural damage, according to a letter from Superintendent Keith Konyk.
Flames engulfed the high school’s auditorium early Sunday morning, causing structural damage in areas of the building and smoke damage throughout.
The four-alarm fire took nearly 12 hours to fully extinguish and as the extent of the damage inside is evaluated, it appears the auditorium is a total loss.
It has since become more clear what the path ahead looks like for EF high school students.
While high school students began virtual learning Tuesday, that move might be more permanent as damage is evaluated.
EF Board President Tom Sharkey said two structural engineers looked over the building Monday morning.
The first problem, Sharkey said, is the integrity of the auditorium walls.
Engineers have since determined it was necessary for parts of the walls of the auditorium to come down before they can access the mechanical room that is in the basement below.
The extent of damage to the mechanical room is still unclear, but it is essential as it provides power to the rest of the building.
On Tuesday, Konyk said in a letter that district representatives have met with the Allegheny County fire marshal, first responders, structural engineers and utility companies.
Konyk said several “significant” issues have been identified with the building that need to be addressed.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.