Frigid fire evacuation sends Eagle River High School students to the school nurse

ANCHORAGE - Nine Eagle River High School students sought out the school nurse after a fire alarm sent underdressed students into bitterly cold temperatures.

One girl was treated for mild frostbite Tuesday after 15 minutes in weather that was estimated at 11 degrees below zero, on the mild end.

After a chemistry lab experiment set off the alarm the students were evacuated without coats, hats or gloves. Some were clad only in gym clothes.

Some parents say the school, about 20 miles north of Anchorage, should have had a plan to keep the students warm, while school officials said students should not have been wearing summer clothes in the Alaska winter.

"We would encourage everyone to make sure their children have winter clothing in case of an emergency like this," school spokeswoman Heidi Embley said.

Seven girls who sought the nurse's help for cold feet and legs were all wearing summer skirts and sandals, Embley said.

Brenda Bogowith said her 18-year-old daughter, senior Hailey Kickbusch, was wearing a blouse and a skirt without stockings. She agreed students should dress for the weather.

"But last time I checked, school was held inside," she said. "It is very dangerous. I don't let my dogs out in this temperature."