Oconomowoc HS cancels classes Friday over carbon monoxide issue

Five people tested positive for high levels of carbon monoxide Thursday after Oconomowoc High School and the Oconomowoc Arts Center were evacuated, the school district said.

The situation forced the cancellation of classes Friday at the high school, the district said.

Five people who were taken to the hospital tested positive for high levels of carbon monoxide and were undergoing treatment, according to a Western Lakes Fire District news release.

A total of 64 patients, both students and staff, were taken by ambulance to Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and Aurora Medical Center in Summit. Throughout the day, the two emergency departments evaluated an additional 40 walk-in patients for related symptoms.

An additional 72 individuals were assessed on the scene for symptoms but did not require transport.

After investigating the school for a cause, no readings of carbon dioxide or other gases were detected.

Superintendent Roger Rindo said Silver Lake Intermediate students were rehearsing at 9:15 a.m. at the Oconomowoc Arts Center for a choir concert when some students became lightheaded and nauseated.

Western Lakes initially treated five patients before evacuating the building.

“As we continued the evacuation process there were more patients that were identified,” Western Lakes Fire District Chief Brad Bowen said.