John Conklin picks up his children, Everlee, 5, left, Rhiana, 12, and Hazel, 7, from Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé after they were evacuated from the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

John Conklin picks up his children, Everlee, 5, left, Rhiana, 12, and Hazel, 7, from Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé after they were evacuated from the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Middle school flood forces student evacuation

Power is out, according to one district official

A Juneau School District official informed the Empire Friday afternoon of a flooding incident in Marie Drake Middle School.

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A flooding occurred Friday in the downtown school’s basement, according to Director of Teaching and Learning Ted Wilson, shutting off power and forcing the relocation of students to the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaat.at Kalé auxiliary gym.

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On scene, JSD Chief of Staff Kristin Bartlett said the basement held the “brains” of the school’s phone and internet systems, which are not working right now.

Bartlett released photos taken by Juneau School District staff member Chris Cairns of the flooded basement.

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

This photo shows flooding in the basement of the Marie Drake building on Friday, April 5, 2019. Flooding in a basement boiler room spread diesel fumes throughout the building.(Courtesy Photo | Chris Cairns)

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