SPIRO, Okla. --
Firefighters battled flames that came from the Spiro High School's old gymnasium until the building collapsed. Smoke from the fire was visible across Spiro and other parts of Leflore County.
The gym is located near the football stadium, and rubble from the fire fell onto the track around the field, causing damage to one section.
The gym was no longer in use and no students were in or near the building while it burned.
"We pulled some students in this location back. The closet building with students in it is not near this area," said school Assistant Administrator Don Atkinson.
The building had been boarded up after a previous vandalism incident, but officials said they don't know if vandals caused this fire.
Officials also said there was a former science lab in the building, but it did not contain any dangerous or flammable materials.
Residents who live in Spiro gathered around the building and watched parts of it collapse.
Aaron Jones, who was visiting a friend near the fire, said the smoke was so thick he had to cover his mouth with his shirt while walking on the street.
Jones said he is sad the gym is gone.
"That's my little gym I use to play in. I'm gonna miss that gym," Jones said.
Sarah Redwine is from out of town and was in Spiro visiting the school.
She is getting ready to celebrate her 50th class reunion at the school and was set to tour the old gymnasium.
"But it's gone today. I am sick about it. This is part of our history," Redwine said.
Fire officials said as of Monday they could only determine the flames started in the middle of the building but are waiting on the fire marshal to determine a cause.
Crews said it could take days for inspectors to make their way through the rubble that is left.
RAW VIDEO: Old Spiro, Okla., School Gym Burns
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