FORT DODGE, Iowa — Authorities have determined that a fire at the former Fair Oaks Middle School was arson.
Around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Fort Dodge Fire Rescue responded to the former middle school, now vacant, at 416 S. 10th St. and found "heavy smoke an intense fire" coming out of nine of the third floor windows, the agency said.
Fire rescue was able to push the flames back with three truck-mounted streams and enter the building by foot to completely put out the flames.
Crews reportedly searched the building for anyone who may have been inside during the fire and were on the scene fighting hot spots until 3 a.m.
Several classrooms and hallways took severe fire damage in what investigators have found to be arson. Although no injuries were reported, it was found that people were living in the area.
