Thursday was like any other school day for boys in physical education classes at Helena High School, but for the girls, it was a day they didn't have to dress out for class.

A gasket failed on the coupling around a 4-inch fire main that provides water to the gymnasium's sprinkler, sending water throughout the girls locker room and three offices Wednesday night, John Carter, director of support services said.

The water started going through the system, which set off the fire alarm and Helena Fire Department responded about 4:45 p.m., Carter said.

A heavy flow of water poured into the area for about 20 minutes until maintenance personnel shut off the supply, he added.

"It's was a lot of water," Carter said.

Custodial and maintenance staff fixed the problem and by Thursday morning the water was cleaned up. Assistant Principal Brent Zanto said the damages could have been much worse and credited the maintenance department for quickly locating and remedying the problem.

Girls in gym class didn't have to change clothes for class because the water soaked their clothes in the bottom of their lockers.

The administration does not think it was weather related.

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com