The HVAC motor at Langley Middle School burned out recently, causing a good deal of smoke that triggered the fire alarm.

A fire never erupted, however, and no students were in the building.

School district officials said the alarm went off at about 6 a.m. Thursday, March 8. Power went out briefly when a transformer on Edgecliff Drive burst.

The school district’s transportation and maintenance director Kevin Lungren said a squirrel likely ran too close to the transformer and caused the short.

Students, staff and faculty were without heat in the kitchen and cafeteria during the day. The motor was replaced the next day.