Graduation Ceremony Disrupted After Graduate Accidentally Activates Fire Alarm With Confetti Launcher
OCEANSIDE, CA — A high school graduation ceremony at Oceanside High School was temporarily evacuated on Friday evening after a graduating senior inadvertently triggered the building’s fire suppression system using a handheld confetti launcher, according to school district officials.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time during the formal conferring of diplomas. Witnesses reported that a student, identified as 18-year-old Marcus Chen, launched a stream of biodegradable confetti toward the audience, which landed directly on a ceiling-mounted smoke detector in the gymnasium. The resulting alarm activated the facility’s sprinkler system, drenching the first two rows of seated guests and the stage area.
School security personnel and the Oceanside Fire Department responded within four minutes. Firefighters confirmed there was no actual fire, but the building was evacuated for nearly 30 minutes as crews deactivated the system and dried the stage. Approximately 200 of the 450 graduating seniors had already received their diplomas prior to the disturbance.
Principal Linda Torres addressed the assembly after the evacuation, stating that the ceremony would resume once the area was deemed safe. Chen was cited for reckless conduct by campus safety officers but was permitted to collect his diploma after the event concluded. No injuries were reported, though three guests reported minor damage to personal electronic devices from the sprinkler water.
The school district confirmed that all senior activities, including post-ceremony gatherings, would continue as scheduled. Chen has issued a public apology via the school’s social media account, stating the incident was a result of mishandling a prop intended for a family photo.