Smoke and damage from a fire Tuesday have closed the gym at École Régionale Notre-Dame in Notre Dame de Lourdes.
While the investigation continues, early reports say the damage may exceed $2 million. While most of the damage is in the gym area, other parts of the facility have been slightly affected as well.
The fire was reported shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday when the janitor noticed smoke was coming from the gymnasium, and alarms went off.
Early reports show the fire started when a power outlet touched some gym mattresses. The fire started on the floor, and some flames spread to the ceiling, which didn't burn as much as the floor.
Students from École régionale Notre-Dame participate in the Zone 4 High School hockey league through the Mountain Mustangs, but play the remainder of their collegiate sports in Zone 6 alongside schools in Pilot Mound, St. Claude, Treherne among others. Zone 4 includes most of the schools in the Pembina Valley.
The school was busy with crews on the scene Wednesday and classes resume Thursday