Lightning Causes Large Fire at Loras College

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — An early morning fire at a Dubuque college severely damaged a residence hall.

The fire early today (Wednesday, March 16th) at Visitation Hall on the Loras College campus sent flames high into the air.

Dubuque Fire Chief Rick Steines says a police officer noticed sparks on the building's cupola about 5 a.m., leading the building to be evacuated.

No injuries have been reported.

The building was significantly damaged, with much of the roof collapsed.

Steines says it's likely the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Loras is a Catholic college with an enrollment of about 1,600 students.