FORT MILL, SC — Thursday, March 5, 2026 — The Fort Mill School District has officially closed Flint Hill Elementary School today following a confirmed active incident at the neighboring Silfab Solar facility.
While York County Emergency Management has indicated there is currently no danger to the school or the surrounding community, district officials made the decision to shut down the campus “out of an abundance of caution”.
Emergency Dismissal Procedures
Because the incident occurred as the school day was beginning, the district has implemented the following emergency reunification plan for students:
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Bus Transportation: Students who were already on buses this morning are being diverted and transported to Pleasant Knoll Middle School.
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Parent Pickup: Parents should report to the Pleasant Knoll Middle School football parking lot.
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Verification: Staff will be on-site to verify parent/guardian information before releasing any students.
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Timing: Student dismissal is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m..
The Decision to Close
The closure was prompted by an incident at 7149 Logistics Lane involving the release of potassium hydroxide, a corrosive industrial chemical. Although monitoring conducted by Citadel EHS did not register contaminants on the school site, the proximity of the facility, located less than 1,300 feet from two schools intensified safety concerns among parents and staff.
The district’s notice emphasized the following:
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Safety Assurance: Emergency management indicated no direct danger to the school.
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Cautionary Action: The closure was a preemptive measure to ensure student and staff safety while the situation was assessed.
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Ongoing Monitoring: Private environmental firms and first responders remained on-site to verify that no hazardous substances reached the school grounds.
BREAKING: Hazmat Crews Respond to Chemical Spill at Fort Mill Solar Plant
Community and Legislative Response
The spill has reignited a fierce debate over Silfab’s location in a light industrial zone near residential neighborhoods. In the wake of the incident, Senator Michael Johnson and other state leaders successfully called for a stop work order, which remains in effect while the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and the EPA investigate the facility’s safety protocols.
“This incident underscores the concerns raised regarding the safe operation of this facility in our community and has clearly demonstrated the need for additional action.” — Fort Mill School District Statement
Moving Forward
The school district has formally joined state legislators in requesting that operations at Silfab remain suspended until a “comprehensive review of all safety protocols” is completed and made public. FMSD also indicated it is supporting new legislation that would allow the York County Council to revoke permits for businesses found out of compliance with zoning laws.
Fort Mill School District Joins Calls to Cease Operations at Silfab Solar Following Chemical Release
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