SOUTH BEND — Two local teachers are under arrest after a meth lab exploded inside a South Bend home. Investigators found the lab after it sparked a fire at a home on East Woodside Street.

Police arrested two sisters, Michelle and Maria Stancati, who lived in the home. They're both special education teachers at Elkhart Community Schools. Michelle is a teacher at Northside Middle School and Maria is a teacher at Elkhart Memorial High School.

Some people say what happened Tuesday has changed the mood in this neighborhood.

Meth-making materials were sprawled across the driveway — not the scene people in this tight-knit neighborhood are used to.

"It's not our neighborhood at all; we have a good neighborhood," one neighbor told WSBT News.

"It's quiet," said another. "Most of the residents know each other."

Police uncovered what they're calling a fairly large meth lab and arrested Michelle and Maria Stancati.

"They were sisters living in the house," said Metro Special Operations Captain Robert Hammer.

One neighbor, who's concerned for his safety, says the suspects kept to themselves.

"We didn't really talk with them a lot," he said. "We'd see them coming and going. I didn't ever figure the two of them would have that particular type of thing in their house. And what went on, it was shocking."

Police say meth labs in St. Joseph County are rare compared to surrounding areas.

"And then to have a fire and an explosion occur as a result of a meth lab is even more unusual," said Hammer.

Unusual for police, but scary for neighbors.

"I was concerned for my child definitely. If that had exploded ... who knows. I don't know how big the blast would have been. But there's nothing to say that fumes can't travel that far," one neighbor said.

"You never think it could [happen] and now that it has, it starts to make you think a little bit more about your security, watching a little more," added another neighbor.

The meth lab was found near three schools. One of them is just a block south of the home.

Elkhart Community Schools said it's common practice for an employee to be placed on administrative leave during an investigation.

Maria Stancati was hired by Elkhart Community Schools in 2005. Michelle Stancati was hired in 2004.

The prosecutor's office says the women should be charged Thursday.