News Summary
Classes at St. Benedict School in Decorah were canceled following a fire incident in the school’s utility room. Emergency services responded promptly, ensuring no injuries occurred. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with preliminary reports indicating potential electrical issues. The school plans to resume classes after assessing the damage.
Fire Incident at St. Benedict School in Decorah Leads to Class Cancellations
Decorah, Iowa — Classes at St. Benedict School were canceled on Friday following a fire that occurred early in the morning, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services. The incident resulted in no injuries and is currently under investigation.
Emergency Response Details
The Decorah Fire Department responded to the school at approximately 6:25 a.m. after receiving an alarm call about the fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered smoke emanating from the building, specifically concentrated in the utility room located on the lower level. The firefighters swiftly began working to contain the fire and clear the smoke from the premises.
Extent of the Damage
Upon inspection, firefighters identified a large electrical service panel within the utility room that had sustained significant heat damage. Elevated levels of smoke and carbon monoxide were detected throughout the entire building, prompting the use of ventilation equipment to improve air quality and ensure safety.
Power Disconnection and Ventilation
Alliant Energy arrived promptly to disconnect the school’s electrical power, preventing further electrical hazards. The fire crew used fans and ventilation strategies to clear smoke and reduce the risk posed by residual carbon monoxide, making the building safer for assessment and potential reoccupation.
Safety of Students and Staff
At the time of the fire, no students or staff members were inside the building, which minimized the risk of injury. As a result, no reports of injuries or medical issues related to the incident have been filed, and emergency services confirmed that everyone was accounted for and safe.
Investigation and Potential Causes
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. However, officials have stated that nothing to suggest foul play or suspicion has been identified at this stage of the inquiry. The focus is on determining whether an electrical malfunction or other accidental causes led to the fire.
School Response and Future Plans
The principal of St. Benedict School, Justin Johnson, indicated that the damage caused by the fire appears to be limited and that the prompt response of the fire department helped minimize further harm. The school has announced that classes are expected to resume as usual on the upcoming Tuesday, depending on the extent of the repairs and damage assessment.
Communication and Updates
The school has committed to providing ongoing updates about the situation through its official Facebook page to keep students, parents, and staff informed about the progress and any additional developments related to the incident and the reopening plans.
Background Context
St. Benedict School is a local educational institution serving students in Decorah. Incidents involving fire or significant damage are rare, but the school’s preparedness and rapid response from emergency personnel helped prevent any serious consequences. Investigators are conducting a thorough review to determine the cause of the fire, which will inform safety protocols moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- KCRG: Eastern Iowa Catholic School Cancels Class Following Fire
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- CBS2 Iowa: Classes Canceled at St. Benedict School
- Google Search: St. Benedict School fire incident
- KWWL: Classes Canceled at Decorah Catholic School Due to Smoke
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Decorah Leader: Classes Cancelled at St. Benedict
- Google News: Decorah school fire
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