Arson suspected at school

Published 9:50 pm Friday, July 20, 2007

LYNNWOOD – Copper wire and construction tools are missing from a former high school where a fire broke out early Friday, leading investigators to suspect the blaze was intentional.

Locks and chains were cut and windows were broken at the old Scriber Lake High School, Lynnwood police spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said.

Fire officials and police discovered the damage and theft while investigating the fire.

Neighbors about 1:20 a.m. reported smelling smoke in the area. Firefighters found the school’s old woodshop engulfed in flames, Lynnwood Fire Department spokeswoman Marybeth O’Leary said. Crews extinguished the blaze quickly, she said.

No one was injured in the fire.

The damaged building was vacant but was being used as an office for a crew that is demolishing the school.

Damage to the contents inside the building was estimated at $20,000, O’Leary said.

About $5,000 in copper wire and $1,000 in tools were stolen from the building.

The crew likely will have to find other accommodations while it finishes demolition work, Edmonds School District Debbie Jakala said.

The fire will not affect students in the fall. They are already scheduled to attend classes at the former Woodway High School, Jakala said.

The district is tearing down Scriber Lake High School to build new offices. The buildings will house administration, maintenance and transportation staff. The fire is not expected to delay that project, which is expected to be complete by fall of 2009.

Lynnwood police are investigating the fire and burglary, Sessions said.

Anyone with information about the fire or theft is asked to call Lynnwood detective Sgt. Jerry Reiner at 425-744-6915.

Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.