Fire at St. Cloud elementary school under investigated as possible arson

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) - A fire at Westwood Elementary School in St. Cloud Tuesday morning prompted the evacuation of students and an early dismissal as officials continue to assess air quality inside the building. Police say the fire is being investigated as possible arson.

Fire at elementary school

What we know:

Authorities responded to the school just before 9 a.m. on reports of a fire. First responders and school staff evacuated all students and were relocated to a nearby church for reunification with their family. 

Fire crews contained the blaze, though officials have not said where in the building the fire started or the extent of the damage. No injuries have been reported.

In a post on social media, school officials said all students and staff are safe but would be dismissed early due to air quality concerns following the fire. Kidstop and afternoon preschool were also canceled for Tuesday. 

Students will transition to e-learning on Wednesday and Thursday as the cleanup efforts continue, according to school officials.

What we don't know:

City agencies are working with the school district to evaluate the building’s condition and determine when it will be safe to return, with air quality and cleanup listed as primary concerns. 

After an initial investigation, police believe the fire was intentionally set, and it's being investigated as possible arson. The incident remains under investigation by the St. Cloud Police Department and the Fire Marshal.