By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

TOPEKA – A fire early Thursday morning caused significant damage to the Grinnell Middle School, but school will start on time later this month.

An investigation by the Kansas Fire Marshal has determined the blaze as undetermined, according to a news release from the office of the state fire marshal.

At 12:11 a.m., Thu., Aug. 9, Gove County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a fire at Grinnell Middle School, 402 South Monroe.

The Grinnell Fire Department was dispatched and received mutual aid at the scene from the Grainfield and Oakley fire departments.

One firefighter, who remains unidentified, was transported to a hospital for minor smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. He was treated and released.

Estimated amount of damage is $700,000.

According to a woman who answered the phone Friday morning at the school and did not want to be identified, the school start date will not be delayed. She said classes will begin as scheduled Thu., Aug. 23. She would not comment on the fire damage or cleanup efforts.

Gove County Undersheriff Shawn Mesch referred all inquiries to the state fire marshal.