Michael Newhouse
POLICE are searching for one or more arsonists who set fire to the Keilor Downs Secondary College early on Saturday morning, causing almost $300,000 damage and burning out a section of the school.
About 2.15am police and firefighters were called to the scene after reports that two rooms were on fire.
Police said they believed two wheelie bins had been pushed into the doorways of the two portables and then set alight.
Senior Constable Carolyn McDonald, from the Keilor Downs police station, said the fire had burnt out the sections of the school that housed student records as well as the year 11and 12 co-ordinator’s office.
The heat was so intense that it cracked the windows in opposite classrooms, Sen. Const McDonald said.
Sunshine Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s Dave Davies said six fire crews were sent to the scene about 2.15am, and the blaze was brought under within half an hour.
He said the fire threatened the adjacent school buildings, and that it was extremely lucky no further damage was done to the rest of the school.
The school’s principal, Peter Starford, said on Monday that five classrooms were out of action because of broken windows and other damage. The school had rescheduled classes and was using the library for others.
“We’ll get by, but it’s obviously quite a big disruption,” Mr Starford said. “A lot of the kids just can’t understand why anyone would want to do this.”
He said contractors were out on the site about 5am on Saturday assessing the damage. A decision would soon be made as to whether the burnt-out building was salvageable.
Mr Starford said the building was worth roughly $200,000, while equipment such as computers and furniture was valued at $75,000 to $80,000.
Sen Const McDonald said police could be looking for more than one suspect, considering the two fires were lit in two different areas.
“It’s unknown why they targeted these buildings,” Sen Const McDonald said. Police had no motive yet, but have called for public assistance in helping catch the offenders. Witnesses who may have seen anyone around the school between 2am and 2.30am, or anyone who has any other information, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
