Roof collapses in Racine school fire

RACINE -- Students at Mitchell Elementary and Mitchell Middle School will not have class until at least Monday because of a fire at the building.


Officials say the fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in the kitchen area of the elementary school.


The middle and elementary schools are connected, and the Chief of Schools says classes have been canceled for all students at the school.


The call through an alarm company as a burglar alarm, officials said, and when police investigated, they found smoke. 


Fire crews were called in and started to attack the fire from the inside, but were forced to evacuate when the roof collapsed. 


Racine Fire Chief Steve Hansen said most of the damage is in the gymnasium, which is considered a total loss. 


The roof collapsed into the gym and there is concern that the walls may cave in. Hansen said the school may be closed through the rest of the week. 


No one was inside at the time.


Firefighters are also struggling in battling the blaze because of frozen equipment and limited water supply. 


One firefighter slipped on ice and was taken to the hospital to be treated.  He was released and should be okay.


Stay tuned to CBS 58 News for the latest. 

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