A fire at 404 S. Jackson street destroyed an apartment house and left several people homeless on Wednesday morning.
City of Batavia Fire crews immediately called in a second alarm after arriving on scene about 9:40a.m. to heavy fire coming out of the first floor rear of the structure.
Because of high winds, the heavy thick smoke enveloped the area around Jackson School which was evacuated. According to Superintendent Chris Dailey, 500 students, Pre K- 1st grade, were evacuated to Sacred Heart Hall on Sumner street.
At 11:30a.m. the students were transported home by school bus. Parents also were on location picking up students.
Two adults and a child were home at the time and were checked out on scene for smoke inhalation.
The house and an attached shop a total loss. Max Pies Furniture store next door suffered some damage from the heat of the fire with melted siding.
No one was injured in the blaze, but five dogs died.
The Red Cross is assisting the residents of the house.