Sonora El Fire: Suspicious In Nature

Sonora, CA — Cleanup is under way following Saturday night’s major fire at Sonora Elementary School.

“We’re working with the State Fire Marshal and they’re doing a cause and origin investigation at this time,” says Matt Slusher, City of Sonora Fire Captain. “Currently we are investigating it as suspicious in nature, but the cause and origin will come with the report.”

No further details are currently available regarding how it started.

This morning Slusher said there was damage to at least 11 classrooms in the F building on campus, noting that 3-4 had major damage. Heavy smoke also spread through three of other buildings that share a common attic.

As we reported earlier, students will not be class this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Leigh Shampain, Sonora Elementary Superintendent said officials would assess the damage today and soon determine whether or not they can start school after the Thanksgiving break. Shampain noted they may have to move students to a different area of campus, possibly bring in portable buildings, or try to find available space at other locations in the county. He noted that a decision on how to proceed would likely come around Monday.

The fire started at around 9:45pm, was contained by about 11pm, and fully controlled at 4am.