ANGRY students branded the alleged firebugs who caused $1.5 million worth of damage to their school science block as "thoughtless" and "imbecilic".

Just hours after the blaze gutted much of P-block at St Andrew’s Catholic College’s middle school early yesterday, pupils were texting each other with the news that classes had been cancelled for the day because of lingering smoke fumes.

View picture gallery.

The damage bill could be as high as $1.5 million and the building could take up to 10 months to rebuild and restock.

"I certainly had a lump in my throat when I was notified of damage to the school," acting principal Janelle Newman said.

But she said the school, which employed almost 100 staff and taught 1200 students, would recover quickly and classes would resume today.

Many students lost personal belongings including books that had been stored in lockers that virtually melted during the blaze.

Two science laboratories were all but destroyed in the blaze.

Student Kate said she and her friends were gutted that their college had suffered, allegedly at the hands of arsonists.

"Everyone’s pretty mad about it," she told The Cairns Post.

"I think it’s cowardly and childish.

"I grew up in that particular block and it’s pretty emotional for me.

"We had a lot of good times there."

Firefighters arrived at the college early yesterday to find P-block engulfed in flames.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service area director Alan Hogg said the blaze was fuelled by broken bunsen burners.

"The gas pipe had ruptured and it was feeding the fire in the building," he said.

"Once they turned the gas off, they were able to contain the fire."

The gas and chemicals would have caused toxic fumes, he said.

"When they all mix together, they create a sort of chemical cocktail," Mr Hogg said.

"It would’ve been hazardous to anyone in the area at the time."

The intense heat buckled the aluminium roof, causing it to collapse, blew out louvres and reduced desks, benches and most of the building’s contents to ashes.

Crews prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining classrooms which were scorched and smoke damaged.

Student Lucy said she and her classmates had a lot of pride in the college and were disgusted at the alleged arson. "It’s just stupid and thoughtless," she said.

"There’s no point to it."

Students will use the science labs built to accommodate year 12 students next year and demountable buildings would be used if necessary.

Catholic Church insurance will cover the cost of replacing the damaged labs.

Share this article