The Denver School of Science and Technology was evacuated Thursday afternoon after dozens of students complained of shortness of breath, probably linked to illegal trash burning, authorities said.
Although tests by hazardous-materials experts found no harmful gases, the school announced Thursday evening that, as a precaution, it will be closed today to reinspect all the building systems. Twenty-four students were taken to a hospital for observation after they said they were having trouble breathing at the school, at 2000 Valentia St., said Lt. Phil Champagne, Denver fire spokesman.
No one was injured by the fumes believed to have drifted to the school from a nearby backyard, where someone was illegally burning trash, Champagne said.
Students attending basketball practice the night before about 7:30 p.m. also smelled an unusual odor, he said.
