A small fire in the cafeteria led to the cancellation of an annual graduation event for Grade 12 students at Rutland Senior Secondary on Thursday evening.

Students gathered for the Crystal Ball dance at the school had to be sent home after the fire occurred shortly before 8 p.m., drawing a response from RCMP, fire department and ambulance paramedics.

In an email to RSS parents, vice-principal Jarret Atkins reported that after the students were evacuated, it was decided the remainder of the dance would be cancelled.

鈥淲e thank all Grads who handled this situation calmly and safely,鈥� Atkins said.

An RSS student reiterated the situation was handled calmly, as most students did not appear to even realize the fire had occurred until the emergency crews showed up at the scene.

鈥淵ou could smell something was burning as the fire alarm sounded but it was not obvious to everyone what the problem was,鈥� said the student.

The Crystal Ball is a highlight event of the grad year for Grade 12 students at RSS, and there is no word on whether it will be rescheduled as of Friday morning.

It involves a dinner and dance, with the students dressed up in formal attire. 

RCMP told Capital News that the fire is not considered suspicious.