By Pat Culverhouse

A faulty heating unit atop Phillips Elementary School led to the evacuation of students shortly after noon Monday, but officials reported only minor damage to the unit and no damage to the school building.

Minden Fire Dept. units responded to the scene and quickly had the situation under control, Fire Chief Brian William said.

“There was heavy smoke coming from the unit, but no fire,” Williams said. “The smoke was all exterior and none ever got into the building.”

Phillips Elementary houses more than 400 Pre-Kindergarten through first graders, and Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland said those students were never in danger during the incident.

“Our alarms activated when the flareup occurred on top of the building and school personnel did an excellent job of following our emergency procedures,” Rowland said. “They evacuated the students quickly and calmly.”

Rowland said maintenance personnel were at the school making repairs immediately after the area was cleared by first responders.

Students were allowed to return to classrooms.