Decorah, Iowa, August 30, 2025
News Summary
St. Benedict School in Decorah has canceled classes due to a fire incident early in the morning, although no injuries were reported. The fire department responded promptly and extinguished the fire, which was traced to an electrical service panel. Classes are expected to resume soon, pending safety assessments. The school plans to keep the community updated through social media.
Decorah, Iowa – St. Benedict School in Decorah has canceled classes for Friday following a fire incident that occurred early in the morning. The school’s administration took this precautionary measure as it assessed the situation after reports of smoke and heat within the building.
The Decorah Fire Department responded to an alarm call at approximately 6:25 a.m., sending firefighters to the scene promptly. Upon arrival, responders noted the presence of smoke emanating from the school. They then discovered heavy smoke and elevated heat levels in the utility room located on the lower level of the school.
Investigations revealed a significant electrical service panel that had suffered extensive heat damage. Throughout the building, firefighters detected elevated smoke and carbon monoxide levels, which prompted immediate action. Alliant Energy was called to disconnect the school’s power supply to ensure safety while the firefighters worked to control the situation.
The fire was extinguished, and firefighters employed ventilation methods to effectively clear the smoke and reduce hazardous carbon monoxide levels within the premises.
Fortunately, no students or staff were present in the school at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Currently, the cause of the fire is under investigation; however, officials have stated that they do not consider it suspicious.
According to Principal Justin Johnson, the damage to the school appears to be limited, and he commended the prompt response of the fire department. Classes at St. Benedict School are expected to resume as normal on Tuesday, pending further assessments of any potential damage. The school plans to provide additional updates to parents and the community via its Facebook page.
Fire Department’s Response
The Decorah Fire Department’s efficient handling of the incident helped mitigate potential hazards. The quick disconnection of power by Alliant Energy was crucial in ensuring the safety of the site while firefighters worked to manage and eliminate the fire threat.
Future Plans
As St. Benedict School prepares for classes to resume, the administration is dedicated to maintaining communication with families regarding any developments related to the incident. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay updated through the school’s Facebook page as further evaluations of the school facilities are conducted.
Background Context
St. Benedict School is a private Catholic educational institution that serves the Decorah community and its surroundings. The school is dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for its students. Incidents like these are rare, and the swift response from emergency services reflects well on the preparedness of the local authorities and school administration.
FAQs
What caused the fire at St. Benedict School?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but officials do not believe it to be suspicious.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported, as there were no students or staff present at the time of the fire.
When will classes resume at St. Benedict School?
Classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, pending assessments of damage.
How can parents receive updates regarding the school’s status?
Parents can receive updates through the school’s Facebook page, where further information will be provided.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Benedict School, Decorah, Iowa |
| Incident Time | Approximately 6:25 a.m. |
| Extent of Damage | Limited damage reported, primarily in the utility room |
| Injury Report | No injuries reported |
| Expected Resumption of Classes | Classes expected to resume on Tuesday |
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
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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