Massachusetts

Fire at Historic Lawrence School Caused $2M in Damage

Cause of fire not believed to be suspicious

The cause of a weekend fire that caused extensive damage to a historic school in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is not believed to be suspicious.

Fire officials told the Eagle-Tribune that Saturday's 3-alarm fire at the John R. Rollins School caused an estimated $2 million in fire and water damage.

The school's interior is wood and was built in 1892. It has been used as an early childhood center for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students since 2008 and is located directly across from the Engine 6 fire station.

Firefighter Manny Gutierrez told the Eagle-Tribune he was leaving work around 5 p.m. Saturday when he spotted the fire and alerted crews. He is credited with saving the building.

Two firefighters sustained minor injuries battling the blaze.

Mayor Daniel Rivera said crews were expected to be at the school on Tuesday to begin cleaning up, but it was unclear if the school will reopen in time for the 170 students returning from holiday vacation next week.

"The goal will be to do all we can to save the structure," he said. "There was a lot of smoke and fire damage."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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