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Lightning Strike Suspected In Fire That Destroyed Western Mass. School

ROWE, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Fire believed to be caused by a lightning strike has severely damaged an elementary school in western Massachusetts.

The fire broke out at the Rowe Elementary School in the Franklin county town around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There were heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area at the time.

The National Weather Service says the fire was likely started by a lightning strike. Firefighters from several companies responded and put out the flames.

A nearby resident told a local television station that the fire engulfed the school's roof.

According to the school district's website, about 60 students attend Rowe Elementary.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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