Students at Winnipeg's John Taylor Collegiate will have the rest of this week off, after a fire chased them out of the school earlier this week.

The electrical fire broke out in a basement storage room around 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday, just as classes were beginning.

The fire was minor but the smoke spread through the school's ductwork, forcing the building's evacuation.

All 700 students and staff got out safely.

The smoke, heat and water damage is estimated at about $150,000.

The St. James Assiniboia School Division had hoped the school would reopen and classes could resume by week's end.

But due to the continued clean up, classes have been cancelled for Thursday and Friday. The division is now hoping students will be able to return on Monday morning.

Division officials said they want to make sure phone lines and fire alarms are working fully before allowing students to return.

"As well, the extra day will provide the division with the opportunity to ensure that the air quality in the building is safe for staff and students," the division said in a release Thursday afternoon.

Anyone with urgent inquiries can contact the school through the John Taylor Collegiate website email, as the phone system is still not in operation.