Bus yard fire cancels school in Van Buren

Belleville — Classes are canceled Thursday for students attending Van Buren Public Schools after a fire broke out in the district's bus yard in Belleville.

Firefighters were called to the garage on Davis, near Huron River Drive and Main, to find the building engulfed in flames early Thursday. The yard is located on the grounds of Belleville High School, according to Belleville City Manager Diana Kollmeyer.

"Our police department was dispatched between 3 and 3:30 this morning," Kollmeyer said. "I'm led to believe that it looks like a total loss."

District officials closed schools when it was determined fire damage would prevent drivers from getting their buses out of the yard, according Pam Johnson, executive assistant to the superintendent.

There were maintenance vehicles — but no school buses — inside the garage when the fire began, Johnson said.

There are no reported injuries and no cause has been determined.

"The fire is under investigation," Kollmeyer said. "The Michigan State Police will be here this afternoon to start the investigation."

TGreenwood@detroitnews.com

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