CONCORD — On Monday, April 27, 2026, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Concord fire and police departments responded to Thoreau Elementary School at 29 Prairie Street after dispatch received a report of an activated fire alarm and sprinkler flow alarm.
According to Fire Chief Brian Whitney and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laurie Hunter, the first crews to arrive at the school reported an odor of smoke outside the building.
Two night custodians informed firefighters that there was a hazy smoke condition in the school. Crews then located a small fire in the ceiling of a classroom wing of the school.
Chief Whitney said the fire had been largely knocked down and kept from spreading by the school’s sprinkler system. Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining fire and stayed at the scene Monday night to ventilate the building and confirm the fire was fully out.
No injuries were reported.
Officials said there was no structural damage to the school, but there was significant smoke throughout the building, especially in the 1994-era classroom wing. The immediately affected area also sustained water and fire damage.
Thoreau Elementary School will be closed Tuesday. Officials said additional updates will be provided to families and staff.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Concord Fire Department. The Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified, and officials said the fire did not immediately appear suspicious.
Fire crews from Acton, Bedford and Maynard provided mutual aid at the scene. The Sudbury and Wayland fire departments provided station coverage.
Thoreau Elementary School serves about 435 students in pre-kindergarten through Grade 5. The building opened in 1951, with a newer wing added in 1994 and major renovations completed in 2006.
