DUBLIN — West Bladen High School is dealing with the aftermath of a Thursday fire that rendered its gym floor destroyed.

There was no major structural damage, said Travis Pait, the school’s athletic director. A news release from Bladen County Schools said there were no injuries and described the fire as a “short burst of flames” that came from ceiling lights.

“The light bulb fell to the floor and melted a rubber practice mat used for cheerleading practice. A school custodian was able to extinguish the fire,” the release said.

The fire happened just after 7:30 a.m. as school personnel arrived for work.

The release said the area was about 36 square feet and will need to be repaired or replaced. Pait said it was in the middle of the court.

The gym was being used for a cheerleader camp.

“The playing surface is bad,” Pait said.

Summer league games scheduled for Friday will not be played in the gym. Pait said it is early in the decision-making process about a resolution for the repair; the release said it would be either repaired or replaced.

Alan Wooten

Bladen Journal

Alan Wooten can be reached at 910-247-9132 or awooten@bladenjournal.com. Twitter: @alanwooten19.