News

UPDATED: Gas leak forces evacuation of Justice High School

Students at Justice High School will be heading home early today (Tuesday) after a gas leak was detected this morning.

Washington Gas crews were sent to the school in Lake Barcroft (3301 Peace Valley Lane) around 8 a.m. after receiving a report of a natural gas odor.

“Technicians detected gas in the area of an exterior gas meter,” a spokesperson for the gas utility told FFXnow. “Our crews are working closely with school personnel and emergency responders to address the issue as quickly and safely as possible. The safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community remains our top priority.”

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department says it responded to the school at 9:23 a.m. after a fire alarm was triggered. The building was evacuated at some point, though it’s unclear exactly when.

In a message sent to families shortly after noon, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid confirmed that “an odor of gas” had been detected at the school, and Washington Gas “turned off all power and generators” so it could investigate.

“The Fire Department has been on scene to ensure that everyone is safe,” Reid said. “Students are being dismissed early and all information about student release is being shared directly with families by text, email, and phone.”

No other schools are affected by the early release for students.

Noting that no injuries have been reported, the FCFRD says it will remain at the school for an extended period of time, as Washington Gas works to repair the leak.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.