Vista Ridge students return to class following brief evacuation

Vista Ridge High School said students were evacuated Thursday morning after pepper spray was released in the school.

The following statement was posted on the school’s website at 11 a.m.

Vista Ridge High School was evacuated today at 10:45 a.m. due to an airborne irritant. The Colorado Springs Fire Department recommended the evacuation to allow time for a thorough assessment of the situation. CSFD is working with school officials and the district’s safety and security director to determine if the school is safe to occupy. An early investigation points to someone releasing tear gas inside the building.

By 11:13 a.m., the fire department had determined that it was safe for students to return to class and resume their normal schedule.

Falcon D-49 posted the following statement on its website at 11:15 a.m.

Vista Ridge High School students were given the clearance to return to class at 11:13 a.m. The Colorado Springs Fire Department, in collaboration with school officials and the district’s safety and security director, determined the building is safe to occupy. The determination was made after a thorough assessment of the situation.

The fire department characterized the situation as a “mace spray incident” and said no illnesses or injuries were reported.