BELOIT, Wis. -- Beloit police said they are investigating how an incendiary device ended up on the grounds of an elementary school Friday.

Police said a student found a suspicious package at Hackett Elementary School in Beloit and alerted a school staff member.

Police said the suspicious item was located in the school parking lot at a point farthest from the school. Based on the nature of the suspicious package, it was left in the parking lot and authorities were called.

Police called the Winnebago County Hazardous Devices Unit to the scene and the area around the suspicious item was cordoned off.

Police said the device was not explosive and students were not evacuated. No one was injured during the incident.

"We're very fortunate with the situation. (The suspicious package) went through a render-safe procedure, and at no time were kids in immediate danger. The school officials put their plan into place effectively, and we're very pleased with their response as well," said Capt. Bill Tyler, of the Beloit Police Department.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspicious item might have been a homemade incendiary type device.

Police said they are investigating how and why the item ended up on school property.