Fire Incident at St. Benedict School Prompts Class Cancellation

News Summary

Classes at St. Benedict School in Decorah, Iowa, were canceled following a fire incident that led to an emergency response from the local fire department. The fire, which began in the utility room, caused smoke and heat damage but resulted in no injuries as no staff or students were present. The fire department swiftly managed the situation, allowing classes to resume once safety assessments are completed. Investigations into the cause are ongoing, and the school administration is committed to keeping the community informed.

Decorah, Iowa – Fire Incident at St. Benedict School Leads to Class Cancellation

St. Benedict School in Decorah, Iowa, has canceled classes for Friday following a fire incident that prompted an emergency response from the local fire department. The incident unfolded early in the morning, leading to significant safety concerns but fortunately resulting in no reported injuries.

The Decorah Fire Department received an alarm call shortly after 6:25 a.m. Upon arrival at the school, firefighters encountered visible smoke emanating from the building. An investigation revealed that heavy smoke and heat were concentrated in the utility room located on the lower level of the school. Firefighters discovered a large electrical service panel that had sustained extensive heat damage, contributing to the hazardous conditions inside the building.

As firefighters assessed the situation, they also detected elevated levels of smoke and carbon monoxide throughout the facility. In response, Alliant Energy was called to the scene to disconnect power to the school, allowing firefighters to extinguish the flames and utilize ventilation systems to clear the smoke and reduce carbon monoxide levels.

It is important to note that no students or staff members were present in the building at the time of the fire, eliminating the potential for injury. The swift actions of the fire department played a crucial role in managing the situation effectively. Currently, the cause of the fire is under investigation; however, officials have stated that they do not consider it suspicious at this time.

Principal Justin Johnson provided an update acknowledging that while damage to the school was limited, the prompt response from the fire department contributed to minimizing further risk. Classes are anticipated to resume on Tuesday, pending assessments regarding the extent of the damage incurred during the incident.

St. Benedict School is committed to keeping the community informed and will be providing further updates through its Facebook page. The school’s administration is working closely with the local fire department to ensure all safety protocols are followed and to facilitate a smooth return to normal operations for students and staff.

This incident underscores the importance of fire safety in educational facilities and the readiness of local emergency services to respond to such situations swiftly. The community of Decorah is relieved to know that no one was harmed in the incident and remains grateful for the effective handling of the situation by the Decorah Fire Department.

The school is expected to continue its regular schedule following the evaluation of any necessary repairs or safety checks prompted by the fire. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed as additional details become available in the coming days.

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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