3 Kids Could Face Charges After Arson At Modesto Elementary School
MODESTO (CBS13) – Investigators are saying arson is to blame for a fire that caused $1.5 million in damage to a Modesto elementary school.
The fire happened on Dec. 29 at Bret Harte Elementary School. The Modesto Fire Department says firefighters got to the scene just before 4 p.m. that day and found a detached wing of the school quickly going up in smoke.
In total, the fire destroyed the school's library, computer lab and two fifth-grade classrooms.
An adjacent wing also suffered heat damage, firefighters say.
#Breaking: Investigators say arson is to blame for a fire that caused $1.5 million in damages to Bret Harte Elementary School in #Modesto. Three kids were referred to the District Attorney's Office & could face charges. The fire destroyed the library, computer lab & 2 classrooms https://t.co/4oolWvidpX
— Linda Mumma Solorio (@LindaBMumma) January 5, 2018
Friday, Modesto Fire announced the results of their investigation. Exactly where the fire started has not been determined, but investigators have ruled it was intentionally set.
Three juveniles were interviewed during the investigation. Investigators say the kids have been referred to the district attorney's office and could face charges. It is unclear if the kids are students at the school.
School officials say the campus will reopen on Jan. 16 after winter break.