Dirksen Junior High School will reopen for in-person classes on Wednesday, January 28, following a fire that occurred Friday morning, January 23. At the time of the incident, all Joliet Public Schools District 86 students and staff were at home for an E-Learning Day due to frigid temperatures.
On January 23, 2025, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the fire alarm was activated at Dirksen Junior High School, 203 S. Midland Avenue. The Joliet Fire Department immediately responded to the call and upon arrival, smoke was visible coming from the building.
“I cannot thank the Joliet Fire Department enough for their swift assistance in helping to contain the fire and minimize damage,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse. “I am extremely thankful that no one was in the building at the time the fire broke out.”
According to the School Fire Report the school district received today from the State Fire Marshal, the fire originated from a computer cart in the Dirksen music room (#125). Additional smoke and water damage were reported in rooms #123 and #124, and minor smoke odors were detected in nearby rooms and a hallway.
Dirksen students and staff participated in three consecutive E-Learning Days while the building was thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Air quality testing was successfully completed, and the building was cleared for occupancy from the Will County Regional Office of Education, Board of School Inspectors, Joliet District 86 Administrators, and consulting architects this afternoon.
The three affected rooms will remain closed until further notice. Students and staff who normally use these rooms will be relocated to other classrooms within Dirksen School.