Fire damages western Mass. school; lightning eyed
August 4, 2012
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ROWE, Mass.—Fire believed to be caused by a lightning strike has severely damaged an elementary school in western Massachusetts.
The fire broke out at the Rowe Elementary School in the Franklin county town around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There were heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area at the time.
The National Weather Service says the fire was likely started by a lightning strike. Firefighters from several companies responded and put out the flames.
A nearby resident tells WCVB-TV that the fire engulfed the school's roof.
According to the school district's website, about 60 students attend Rowe Elementary.
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