Decorah, Iowa, August 30, 2025
News Summary
St. Benedict School in Decorah, Iowa, canceled classes following a fire incident in the early morning. The Decorah Fire Department responded quickly after smoke and heat were detected in the utility room. No students or staff were present, and no injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation, with classes expected to resume on Tuesday after an assessment of damage.
Decorah, Iowa – St. Benedict School announced the cancellation of classes on Friday following a fire incident early in the morning. The Decorah Fire Department responded promptly to the situation after receiving an alarm call around 6:25 a.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke emanating from the building. Investigations revealed that there was significant smoke and heat concentrated in the utility room located on the lower level of the school. A large electrical service panel was found to have suffered extensive heat damage, contributing to the hazardous conditions inside the school.
In addition to the heat and smoke, elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected throughout the premises, prompting immediate safety measures. Alliant Energy was called in to disconnect the power supply to the facility to ensure the safety of the firefighters and prevent any further damage. Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the fire, utilizing ventilation techniques to clear out the smoke and reduce the dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
Fortunately, at the time of the fire, no students or staff were present inside the school, and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation; however, officials have stated that there are no indications suggesting the fire was suspicious in nature.
According to Principal Justin Johnson, the damage to the school is limited, and he praised the fire department for their swift response to the emergency. The school anticipates that classes will resume as scheduled on Tuesday, pending an assessment of the extent of the damage and any necessary repairs.
St. Benedict School intends to provide further updates regarding the situation on their Facebook page, keeping the community informed as developments arise.
Fire Incident Details
- Event: Fire at St. Benedict School
- Date: Friday, [Exact Date]
- Time of Alarm: 6:25 a.m.
- Location: St. Benedict School, Decorah, Iowa
- Area Affected: Utility room on the lower level
- Response: Decorah Fire Department, Alliant Energy
- Damage: Limited; primarily to electrical service panel
- Injuries: None reported
- Classes Resuming: Expected on Tuesday
Background Information
St. Benedict School is a community-focused educational institution in Decorah, Iowa. Like many schools across the nation, safety protocols are in place to address emergencies, including fires. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of timely responses and preventive measures in maintaining school safety.
FAQ Section
What caused the fire at St. Benedict School?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Officials have stated that there are no indications suggesting the fire was suspicious.
Were there any injuries reported from the fire incident?
No, there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire incident, as no students or staff were present in the school at the time.
When will classes at St. Benedict School resume?
Classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, pending an assessment of any damage caused by the fire.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fire |
| Location | St. Benedict School, Decorah, Iowa |
| Time of Incident | 6:25 a.m. Friday, [Exact Date] |
| Damage Level | Limited |
| Injuries | None |
| Fire Cause | Under investigation |
| Classes Resuming | Tuesday, pending assessment |
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
