Blaze closes school
A FIRE that ripped through a science block at St Andrew's Catholic College early this morning is believed to have been deliberately lit.
The blaze severely damaged three rooms and scorched a nearby home economics classroom at the middle school at Redlynch after erupting about 1.30am.
Police said a group of youths were seen running from the school at the time of the fire.
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St Andrew`s Catholic College staff estimate the damage bill could be as high as $1.5 million and the block take up to 10 months to rebuild.
"I certainly had a lump in my throat when I was notified of damage to the school," acting principal Janelle Newman said.
The school is closed today because of the lingering smell of smoke but classes will resume as normal tomorrow.
Pictures of the burnt-out buildings to come.
For full report and pictures, see tomorrow's The Cairns Post.
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Damage: P Block at St Andrews Catholic College at Redlynch was extensively burnt last night.
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