Students at an Omaha middle school have been sent home early after being evacuated when a fire apparently broke out on the roof.

The fire at Monroe Middle School happened about 10 a.m. Wednesday. Students were safely evacuated and were sent down the street to the Benson High School gym.

Firefighters quickly got the fire under control, but lingering smoke filled the second floor of the building. The cause is under investigation.

Students were sent home Wednesday afternoon and after-school activities were canceled.