BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A fire broke out in an empty lot near the Golden Valley High School graduation ceremony Thursday night.
Photos shared by a witness show the fire lighting up the empty lot near the football field, where the graduation took place.
The witness said the visitor’s side of the stadium was evacuated and the ceremony was paused.
Illegal fireworks set off in a neighboring empty lot during the graduation ceremony was what sparked the blaze, leading Golden Valley High staff to pause the ceremony for 30 minutes. During the break, GVHS Principal addressed attendees, saying the procession would resume once the fire was extinguished, according to Kern High School District spokesperson Erin Briscoe.
Every student was able to walk across the stage and be recognized for their achievements. There are currently no plans to hold another commencement ceremony, Briscoe said.
