Fire engulfs classroom at St Mark’s College in Port Pirie South
A suspicious fire erupted at a private college in Port Pirie South on the first day of school holidays. See the photos.
SA News
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An investigation has been launched into a suspicious fire at a private college in Port Pirie South in the early hours of the first day of school holidays.
The fire started in a classroom on the secondary campus of St Mark’s College, at The Terrace, with reports of heavy smoke and visible flames emanating from a building about 3.30am on Monday.
St Mark’s College principal Dr Sandra Hewson said the fire would be “upsetting for our college community”.
“The full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire is still being determined,” Dr Hewson said.
“We’re working closely with the relevant authorities on this matter.”
Dr Hewson was “extremely thankful to the local emergency services who worked quickly to contain the fire”.
Pastoral support will be provided for students who may need it following the incident.
“As this is subject to a police investigation, we cannot provide further details at this stage,” she said.
As the blaze tore through the classroom, three Metropolitan Fire Service vehicles attended the Catholic college.
An MFS spokeswoman said “access was difficult” to the classroom due to bollards around the school.
When fire crews gained entry, they contained the blaze to one building and the attached toilet block within 20 minutes.
The fire did not damage any other parts of the school.
Fire technicians attended the scene.
St Mark’s College has more than 900 students from years reception to 12.
The private school charges more than $4600 for year 12.
South Australian Police are appealing for anyone to come forward who witnessed the incident.
Originally published as Fire engulfs classroom at St Mark’s College in Port Pirie South
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