Henry Wells Middle School in Brewster was evacuated Wednesday morning after complaints of a strong smell in the hallways.

Officials say that a belt overheated in one of the elevators at around 8 a.m., causing the alarm. Firefighters arrived at the school and students were relocated to the high school auditorium during the investigation.

Superintendent Timothy Conway eventually sent the students home for the day to give the building time to air out.

Classes will resume Thursday, Conway says.