honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, April 28, 2007

Fire destroys portable classroom

Video: Computer lab destroyed in Highlands school fire

By Dave Dondoneau
Advertiser Staff Writer

Firefighters wait to remove the collapsed roof of a portable classroom at Highlands Intermediate School that was destroyed in a fire late Thursday evening.

RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser

spacer spacer

PEARL CITY — Fire Thursday night destroyed a portable classroom at Highlands Intermediate School and caused minor damage to two others.

Damage was estimated at $360,000 to the structure and $25,000 to contents, said Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

About 35 firefighters arrived at the 1460 Ho'olaule'a St. campus just before midnight Thursday. Crews had the fire under control by 12:24 a.m. yesterday, Seelig said.

The school opened as usual yesterday.

"When I found out about the fire, I was glad it happened at night and nobody was hurt," Highlands Principal Amy Martinson said. "We can replace the portable classrooms."

The portable classroom that was destroyed housed the school's computer lab, Martinson said.

Though the fire was quickly brought under control, smoke continued to pour from the building past 2 a.m.

Nathan Young, who lives near the campus on Nanakai Street, saw the fire at its peak.

"The flames (were) shooting above the trees," he said.

The classes affected by the fire were relocated to the cafeteria, library or to another classroom.

"It's no day off; all students, report to school," Martinson said. "I have no idea how this could have started. I can't see anyone doing this to their school."

Staff writer Catherine E. Toth contributed to this report.

Reach Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.