Small bathroom fire prompts temporary evacuation at Highland High School

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A small bathroom fire prompted a brief evacuation at Highland High School this afternoon.

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 officials say a fire broke out in a waste bin on Wednesday. The flames were quickly put out, and the Pocatello Fire Department responded to ensure the building was safe before students and staff returned to class shortly after.

District officials thanked emergency crews for their quick response, though they haven't yet said how the fire started.

The incident serves as a reminder of fire danger, which the Highland High School community is all too familiar with. The school is still recovering from a devastating fire on April 21, 2023, which destroyed several key facilities, including the main gymnasium, cafeteria, and music classrooms. A phased reconstruction of the school's new wing began in March 2025 and is scheduled for completion in July 2027.

RELATED: Reconstruction begins at Highland High School two years after tragic fire