Student Identified as Cause of Fire That Closed Westwood Elementary

(KNSI) – The fire that forced the closure of Westwood Elementary School last week was started by a student in a bathroom according to the St. Cloud Police Department.

The department said the fire, which was reported March 31st just before 9:00 a.m. The investigation indicates the fire was started by a juvenile suspect who is a student at Westwood Elementary.

No further information is available and the investigation is ongoing.

The fire forced the evacuation of all 550 students and caused widespread smoke damage throughout the building, which has remained closed since the incident. The building is expected to reopen April 13th.

More than 550 jackets, backpacks, phones, laptops, lesson plans and other belongings were left behind and have not been accessible since the evacuation, though students have continued learning.

Community organizations have stepped up to support families during the closure. The YMCA, Great River Children’s Museum, Boys and Girls Club, Westwood Community Church, the Initiative Foundation, St. Cloud Rotary and others have provided childcare, meals and activities. Food and clothing support is available at the District Administrative Offices in Waite Park, and food box distribution runs at Westwood Community Church from 11:00 a.m. to noon, Wednesday through Friday.

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