SOUTH KINGSTOWN — A fire in a ceiling light fixture sent students and staff at West Kingston Elementary School out into the cold yesterday afternoon.

Kingston Fire District Chief Nate Barrington said the fire in the gymnasium light fixture was spotted by a teacher at about 2:10 p.m.

While students and staff evacuated, John Gould, a custodian who is also a volunteer firefighter, used a fire extinguisher to contain the fire, Barrington said. By the time firefighters arrived, the flames were extinguished, he said.

Students and staff were allowed back into the building after about five to eight minutes and were brought to the cafeteria, Barrington said.

“The principal and teachers did a great job of getting students out of the way,” he said. “I think the fire drills paid off.”

Barrington said the fire damaged two light fixtures and a portion of the ceiling. The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause, he said.

The school is expected to be open today, Barrington said.