Freon leak causes odor that evacuates Oakfield Middle/High School

On Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a School Resource Deputy with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to Oakfield Schools, was working at Oakfield Elementary when he received a report from a staff member at Oakfield Middle/High School of a burning odor inside the building.

The School Resource Deputy responded immediately and notified the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center to dispatch the Oakfield Fire Department. Out of an abundance of caution, a decision was made to evacuate all students and staff from the Middle/High School.

The Oakfield Fire Department responded to the scene, along with Oakfield First Responders, Waupun Fire, RIT Team 4, Lamartine Fire, Brownsville Fire, Lifestar Ambulance, and Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue. A member of the Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue Hazmat Team also assisted with identifying the source of the odor. Preliminary findings indicated elevated levels of freon within the building, believed to have originated from a rooftop air conditioning unit and migrated into an office area. The exact source remains under review by the school district’s HVAC contractor.

School District Administration made the decision to release Middle and High School students for the remainder of the day. Reunification procedures were conducted in an orderly manner. Students who drove themselves were released first, followed by those requiring bus transportation, and then students picked up by parents or guardians. Oakfield Elementary remained in session and continued normal operations.

At this time, there are no reports of injuries. The situation was handled quickly and safely, and all appropriate precautions were taken to ensure the well-being of students and staff.

No additional information is being released at this time. Further updates will be provided as they become available.