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Fire crews from San Manuel Fire Department work to extinguish a fire at Avenue B Elementary School. Photo by Jennifer Carnes
An early morning fire at Avenue B Elementary School Sunday may be the work of an arsonist. According to Pinal County Public Information Officer Tim Gaffney, investigators have found evidence that leads them to believe the fire was deliberately set.
The initial call was made Sunday morning at approximately 5:15 a.m. Smoke was visible and coming from the attic and air conditioning units on the north wing of classrooms, the wing nearest the multi-purpose room. San Manuel Fire Department reported that the school was all locked up.
About an hour into the fire, the main electrical power panel blew up. It was not supposed to have power there according to school officials.
In addition to San Manuel Fire, Mammoth, Oracle and Golder Ranch Fire Departments responded to help contain the blaze. Tri-City Meds were also on scene.
Due to the nature of the fire, San Manuel Fire requested that the investigation be handled by PCSO’s arson detectives. It is unknown if the fire is related to other suspicious fires in the San Manuel area.
The case is under investigation, Gaffney said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office at 520-866-5111.
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