UPDATE:
The City of Airdrie issued a statement on May 6 indicating that upon completion of the Airdrie Fire Prevention Bureau investigation, emergency service personnel have discovered the cause of the fire was from a 'set fire' or arson.
The statement indicated damages to the school are estimated to be approximately $20,000.
The RCMP are continuing to investigate the situation but have advised there were no injuries as a result of the incident.
ORIGINAL STORY:
About 670 students and 70 staff members were evacuated from St. Martin de Porres High School this morning following a fire that resulted in heavy smoke conditions at around 10:45 a.m., according to the City of Airdrie.
Upon entering the building, Airdrie Fire Department personnel quickly located and extinguished the fire, a press release stated. Members are still on scene to continue ventilation efforts.
"Due to the amount of smoke, the school was closed for the remainder of the day and students were sent home or transported to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in alignment with the school’s emergency response plan," the release stated, adding parents of students are asked not to go to the school.
"Displaced students may be picked up at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Main Street."
A cause of the fire was not immediately determined, and the Fire Prevention Bureau is conducting an investigation. According to the City, 13 firefighters and five fire engines were on scene.
