Arson Suspected In High School Fire

Authorities suspect the fire that damaged a classroom at Priest River Lamanna High School Wednesday was deliberately set.

“I can’t say for sure it was arson but it’s very possible,” Priest River Police Chief Wally Mitchell said. “There was some wiring nearby but it doesn’t appear that is where the fire started.”

Authorities used a dog trained to sniff out traces of gasoline or other flammable liquids. The canine alerted on several areas. Samples of burned debris were collected from those spots and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Authorities are also talking with several people who indicated the fire may have been set by students upset with teachers and school policies.

The fire was reported at about 6 a.m. and started outside a special education classroom. Damage to the school was estimated at $70,000. District officials blocked off the hallway and damaged classroom and classes resumed the day after the fire.

, DataTimes