Fire Reported at Old Big Creek High in War

A fire has been reported at a former West Virginia high school that gained national attention with the 1999 release of the movie “October Sky.”

Media outlets report that firefighters from five volunteer fire departments battled the blaze Friday morning at the Old Big Creek High School in War. The West Virginia State Police and a deputy state fire marshal also responded.

The school opened in 1932 and closed in 2010. It was scheduled for demolition later this summer, although the gymnasium was to be spared.

Big Creek was the alma mater of author Homer Hickam Jr. and four friends who became national science fair champions in 1960. The school was a source of inspiration for Hickam’s book, “Rocket Boys: A Memoir,” and the subsequent movie.