Hidden Oaks Middle School fire under investigation as arson

Prior Lake American

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal and the Prior Lake Police Department is investigating whether arson was behind a small fire that led the evacuation of students and staff at Prior Lake's Hidden Oaks Middle School early Tuesday.

Burned paper material was found in a boys' bathroom, Prior Lake Police Chief Mark Elliott said. He declined to give more detail, citing the investigation.

The evacuation happened around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools spokeswoman Chelsea Braudt said. All students and staff returned to class about an hour later, and no injuries were reported.

The Prior Lake Fire Department had to clear the sixth grade area of smoke, and those students and staff were in the gym until given the all clear, Braudt said. Students and staff in other sections of the building were allowed to enter earlier.

Prior Lake Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus said there's heat and smoke damage in a bathroom near the sixth grade area but no damage outside the bathroom.

Twin Oaks Middle School students, some of which have classes at Hidden Oaks Middle School, were held at Twin Oaks until the evacuation was done.