Grass Fire in Timmins forces evacuation of elementary school

Timmins Fire officials said the fire started in a field near the Timmins Finnish Seniors Home and Saint Joseph Separate School. (Submitted by Natrice Rese)

A grass fire in the City of Timmins forced the closure of an elementary school Thursday afternoon.

Timmins fire officials said they got the call around noon and said the blaze produced thick smoke that was blowing in the direction of Saint Joseph Separate School.

The staff and students were evacuated and no one was hurt.  Crews from the Timmins, South Porcupine and Whitney Fire Halls put the fire out quickly and they believe it was accidental.