Vacant DeKalb Co. elementary school damaged by fire

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Memorial Drive is closed as firefighters battle a fire at the former Hooper Alexander Middle School.

Firefighters said the flames spread through most of the building Thursday morning.

The nature of the fire means it is not safe to send crews inside right way, firefighters said.

"It's an extended operation because the roof is pancaked in, so we can't really get in there. We'll wait until daylight and put some crews in there and see if we can safely operate," DeKalb County Fire Department Battallion Chief Michael Lewis said.

Memorial Drive is closed in the area near Rupert Road.

Firefighters said the building has been decommissioned for five years.

WSBTV