Woodworth Middle School damaged by overnight fire

Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue responded to a fire at Woodworth Middle School overnight, Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Just before 1 a.m., The Fond du Lac County Communications Center received notification that a fire alarm was activated at the school, located at 101 Morningside Drive.

A couple engines were sent to investigate, and saw no signs of a fire upon arrival, however, after making entry into the building, they found smoke in the art room.

The call was upgraded to a working fire with the rest of the department being sent at that time.

Fire crews took a hose line into the building and located an active fire in the kiln room adjacent to the main art classroom. The fire was brought under control within about five minutes; however, the kiln room sustained significant fire damage prior to the fire being extinguished.

The fire department said due to the quick actions of the initial crews on scene, damage was largely contained to the kiln room, with only minor damage extending into the art classroom.

After the fire was out, crews conducted extensive ventilation operations throughout the school to remove smoke from the building. Due to the size of the facility, they said the ventilation process required a significant amount of time to complete.

The school will be closed to classes Wednesday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Fond du Lac Fire Rescue Investigators.