An underground electric cable that overheated and emitted smoke at Prettyboy Elementary School, in Freeland, caused the school to be closed Monday, Dec. 7.

The cable runs from the school to a portable classroom trailer behind the school, said schools spokesman Charlie Herndon. Neither the building nor the trailer was affected by the smoking cable.

The call came into 911 saying there was a fire at the school at 11:37 a.m. on Dec. 6, so Baltimore County fire department sent out a full first-alarm crew consisting of four engines and two trucks, said spokeswoman Elise Armacost.

Since there was no actual fire, most of the personnel were on the scene for less than an hour, she said.

Baltimore Gas and Electric cut power to the school and county school crews began digging a ditch in order to replace the cable, Herndon said.

Herndon said he anticipates the job will be completed today and school will open Dec. 8.

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