Cedar Rapids Fire Department responds to Tuesday fire at Arthur Elementary

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded to a fire at an elementary school on Tuesday.

Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said crews were called to Arthur Elementary, 2630 B Ave. NE, around 1:45 p.m. for a report of a fire. Responding firefighters discovered the blaze in an annex building, which was evacuated.

Firefighters determined the fire originated in the boys' bathroom in the building, according to a Cedar Rapids Community School District message sent Tuesday to parents and guardians of Arthur students.

Buelow said a 'considerable amount” of ventilation work was required to clear the smoke from the building. No students or faculty were injured, he said.

Cedar Rapids Community School District spokeswoman Akwi Nji said classes were in session at the time of the fire. Classes located in the annex were relocated to Arthur Elementary's main buildings and continued after the evacuation.

Classes will be held as usual Wednesday, with the first-grade and kindergarten classes usually located in the annex moved to the main building.

Before- and after-school services normally located in the annex also will be moved to the main building, according to the district's message.