Classes are cancelled for the rest of the week for some 450 northwest Iowa students after fire hit their K-through-12 school. The State Fire Marshal’s office and Laurens fire department are investigating the blaze that started early Monday at Laurens Marathon. Responding firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the school around 1 A.M. The fire was located in the industrial arts shop. There was heavy fire damage to the shop and heavy smoke damage in several areas in the school. Officials say damage could reach more than 400-thousand dollars. The initial investigation shows the fire started in the industrial arts area. Samples have been taken for analysis and the electrical system is being investigated. Superintendent Michael Wright says school will likely be cancelled for the rest of the week. Officials will make a daily assessment of the building to determine when the school will reopen.
