CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northwest High School students were evacuated to other parts of the building after tar fumes from roof repair work tripped fire alarms.

Brandi Blackley, principal at Northwest High School, sent an email to parents regarding an issue where fire alarms had gone off in the 300 wing of the school.

“Last night, crews were continuing work to repair our roof. In the 200 and 300 wings of the school, fumes from the tar began circulating in the building early this morning,” she wrote in the email. “Maintenance has identified the cause of the fumes entering the building and is working on a solution.

“The Fire Department is at our school evaluating as well. For everyone’s health and comfortability, we have relocated classes from the 100, 200 and 300 wings to other parts of the building until the fumes have dissipated. We hope to have this resolved as soon as possible, but please know students are safe,” she wrote.

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Rios confirmed that the Northwest fire alarms were tripped due to fumes from roof work.

“In the 300 wing, the smell of hot tar from the roof work set the alarm off. They wanted the fire department to make sure everything is OK,” he said.