COMMUNITY spirit burns brighter than the fire that yesterday destroyed the library, principal’s office and staffroom at Upper Orara Public School in Coffs Harbour.

Relieving principal Sue Bryen said local support would help students and staff through the ordeal.

“Everyone is safe and we can always rebuild. Books can be replaced and we will work together as a community.

“School will continue as normal when students return from holidays on Thursday.”

Cindy Tate, whose 10-year-old daughter is a student at the school, was woken at 2.30am by fire crews battling the blaze.

“It is devastating to the whole community but firefighters did a fantastic job to save the surrounding buildings and contain the fire to the demountable,” Ms Tate said.

“I saw faces in the local fire brigade of parents whose kids go to the school and they protected the buildings as if they were their own.

“It is upsetting but this is a tight community and at least our kids can return to school. We could have lost everything, but thanks to the fantastic job of fire crews, none of the classrooms or kids’ stuff was burnt.”

Forensics investigators were yesterday examining the scene.