News Summary
St. Benedict School in Decorah, Iowa, has canceled classes following a fire incident that occurred in the school’s utility room. Firefighters quickly responded to the alarm and managed to extinguish the blaze before any injuries were reported. Fortunately, no students or staff were present at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the school expects to resume classes after assessing damage and making necessary repairs. The community can stay updated through the school’s official channels.
Decorah, Iowa — St. Benedict School Cancels Classes Following Fire Incident
St. Benedict School in Decorah, Iowa, canceled classes on Friday after experiencing a fire incident that prompted an immediate response from local emergency services. The Decorah Fire Department was alerted at approximately 6:25 a.m. after an alarm was triggered, leading firefighters to the school building. Upon arrival, they discovered smoke emanating from the structure, indicating the presence of a fire inside the premises.
Initial Response and Discovery of Damage
Firefighters located the source of the smoke in the school’s utility room on the lower level. They found heavy smoke and significant heat, particularly around a large electrical service panel. The damage to this panel was extensive, showing signs of high heat exposure. Due to the fire, elevated levels of smoke and carbon monoxide were detected throughout the building, which posed serious safety concerns.
Power Shutdown and Fire Suppression
In response, Alliant Energy arrived on the scene to disconnect power to the school, ensuring that no electrical hazards remained. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage or spread. They also used ventilation equipment to clear out smoke and decrease the level of carbon monoxide within the building, making it safer for future inspection and repair work.
Safety of Students and Staff
Fortunately, no students or staff members were present inside the school when the fire occurred. Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident. The quick response and effective fire suppression helped contain the situation without further harm.
Investigation and Damage Assessment
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Officials do not consider the fire suspicious at this time, but they are working to determine what led to the electrical fault. Principal Justin Johnson noted that the damage to the school is limited and that the fire department’s response was prompt and effective. The assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.
Impact on School Operations and Future Plans
As a precaution, classes at St. Benedict School were canceled on Friday. However, the school expects to resume normal operations on Tuesday, pending a full assessment of any damage and necessary repairs. The school community has been advised to stay updated through its official Facebook page for further information and updates regarding reopening plans and any safety measures implemented.
Background Context
St. Benedict School has served the Decorah community for many years, providing educational services to local students. Incidents involving electrical systems, such as this fire, highlight the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections to minimize risks. Local fire departments routinely prepare for such emergencies, and their quick action in this case helped prevent significant property damage and ensured the safety of everyone involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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