Auditorium at Alexandra school, scene of many happy events for pupils, became scene of desolation when fire struck the building last night. The auditorium had been decorated only recently. Stage, at back of picture, was totally gutted. Smoke and water damage was added to that caused by the blaze, believed set by a firebug. Ceilings here and in other parts of the school later caved in. Pupils arriving this morning were told: "No school for several days."

Behind the innocent-looking window is a thick pall of smoke. It was released when this fire officer completed his job of smashing in the window. At the right is smoke from the blaze which broke out in other parts of the school building.

This was the scene at the south end of the school about ten minutes after the alarm was turned in. A fireman puts on breathing apparatus before entering, while another makes his way through thick smoke (see foot on floor). Oxygen ran out after two hours.

NOTICE: $25.00 REWARD WILL BE PAID FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF ANYONE DAMAGING OR MUTILATING SCHOOL PROPERTY IN ANY WAY. PERSONS USING THESE GROUNDS AFTER 9PM WILL BE PROSECUTED AS TRESPASSERS. ST. CATHARINES BD. EDUCATION

Damage estimated up to $100,000 was caused to the interior of Alexandra school by last night's fire, but there is little evidence of the damage in this picture of the exterior, taken this morning. No part of the interior escaped the effects of smoke and many classrooms were ruined.

Although pupils usually say they'd like their school to burn down, it was a different story when it actually happened. Most of the youngsters from Alexandra school knew that they didn't have to report for class this morning, but hundreds turned up anyhow. They enjoyed the holiday, but many, like those shown here peeking in the locked door, seemed sorry that their school was damaged.