PATTEN (AP) – The state fire marshal’s office is seeking the cause of a fire that destroyed a century-old former elementary school in Patten, leaving a family of seven homeless.

No injuries were reported in Thursday’s fire, which apparently started soon after its occupants left to do errands.

Fire Chief Greg Forsythe said he lacked enough manpower to fight the fire and the two-story building was too far gone when crews arrived.

The Patten Primary School on Main Street was renovated after it closed in 1999. It was occupied by Richard Will, his wife and five children.