October 2, 2026
Smoke alarms sent emergency crews to Richland Springs ISD late Thursday evening after smoke was reported at the historic 99-year-old high school building. Local emergency services quickly responded to the campus Thursday, October 1. Early reports indicate the source may have involved an HVAC unit near the front office, similar to an incident that occurred at the high school last year. Early indications are that there was no damage to the building.
Richland Springs ISD Board President Kendra Oldham thanked those who responded Thursday night. “Thank you to our volunteer firefighters, staff, and administrators for their quick response to the report of smoke at the high school this evening. We very much appreciate your time, service, and commitment to responding when our community needs you.”
Oldham also noted the similarity to the previous incident involving the same area of the building. “This incident is similar to what occurred at the high school last year, when the smell of smoke was reported with the cause being the HVAC unit by the front office. Having another incident involving the same unit, even after being repaired, highlights its age and condition.”
Oldham addressed the district’s proposed bond and the planned HVAC improvements included in the proposal. “The proposed bond includes not only funding to replaced all HVAC units, but also to improve the current condition of our school without a tax rate increase.”
She added, “Tonight’s incident is why maintaining and updating our school is an important part of planning for the future. A future our kids and community depend on.”
Richland Springs Eye-Witness (Facebook) will follow up on this story as additional information becomes available.