Fire investigators suspect arson after blaze guts former Lubbock elementary school gym
Lubbock fire officials are investigating a Saturday morning blaze that gutted the old Wright Elementary school gym as a case of arson.
Lubbock Fire Rescue is asking for public tips or information after the fire that was reported just after 4 a.m. in the elementary gym located in the 1300 block of Adrian Street. Wright was one of three schools that closed after 2021 when it was consolidated into a new campus, according to previous reporting from the Avalanche-Journal.
LFR’s 911 dispatch center received a notification from an alarm company regarding a fire alarm activation in the building. Initially, a single-unit response was initiated. Upon arrival, crews reported smoke visible from the eaves of a medium-sized standalone gymnasium and immediately requested a full structure response, which includes three engines one truck and two battalion chiefs.
Crews forced entry into the gymnasium, where they encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions.
As they advanced, firefighters observed that the fire’s fuel appeared to be a liquid substance. They also reported hearing popping and explosion-like noises as the fire began spreading beneath and behind them. Due to these hazards and the delay in additional units to arrive, the crew held their position and paused further advancement until a water supply was established and additional manpower were on scene.
Once additional crews arrived, firefighters were able to advanced further into the structure and discovered that the fire involved several pallets of hand sanitizer and books stored inside the gym. With the use of foam, crews were able to extinguish the fire with no injuries.
Preliminary findings of the Lubbock Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office have determined that the cause of the fire is criminal in nature, although officials didn’t immediately release additional information about what may have sparked the blaze. Anyone with any information regarding this incident can contact the Lubbock Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office at 806-775-2635 or email FirePrevention@MyLubbock.us
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Investigators suspect arson after fire guts Lubbock elementary gym
