Geneva Middle School North sustained minor damage following an early morning fire July 11 on the City’s far west side.

The Geneva Fire Department was dispatched at 4:15 a.m. to an activated fire alarm at the two-story school, 1357 Viking Drive. The building was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

Upon arrival, firefighters found several activated smoke detectors and moderate smoke on the first floor during their initial investigation. The incident was upgraded to a General Alarm to bring in additional resources. Fire crews then discovered a small fire in a first-floor common/instructional area in the school’s northeast section.

The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed extinguishment, search, salvage, and overhaul operations. The fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes.

The preliminary cause of the fire was determined to be a malfunctioning carpet drying fan, which ignited with flames extending to a janitorial cart. Surrounding areas sustained fire, heat, smoke, and water damage. Damage estimates are not currently available.

Firefighters and paramedics from Elburn, Batavia, St. Charles and Fermilab assisted Geneva at the scene. The West Chicago, North Aurora Fire and South Elgin protection districts covered both Geneva’s fire stations and stood by for additional calls.

The Geneva Police Department also assisted with the response.