Fires intentionally set inside former LaGrange school under investigation
The former Cannon Street School in LaGrange is the focus of an arson investigation after firefighters discovered two intentionally set fires inside the vacant building Tuesday evening.
According to the LaGrange Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, to a reported structure fire at the former Cannon Street School, also known as the former Boys & Girls Club of LaGrange, located at 115 E. Cannon St.
Firefighters forced entry into the smoke-filled building and quickly located a small fire inside a storage closet in the gymnasium. The fire was extinguished using a water fire extinguisher.
While crews searched the remainder of the building, officers with the LaGrange Police Department discovered a second small fire inside a file cabinet in a classroom. That fire was also quickly extinguished.
Officials said the building was unoccupied and not in use at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
Investigators found evidence indicating homeless individuals may have been staying inside the vacant structure. Following a joint investigation by the LaGrange Fire Department and the LaGrange Police Department, officials determined the fires were intentionally set.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the LaGrange Fire Department or the LaGrange Police Department.
Related stories
SafetyHunter rescued from tree after tree stand malfunction in Tuskegee National Forest
SafetyOpelika Fire Department equips all 90 firefighters with new communication-enhanced masks
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
LocalBREAKING: Opelika fire crews respond to two structure fires within 14 hours
LocalFire crews responding to reported structure fire on Kent Ave. in Phenix City