Arson Fire Sends Elementary Students to High School

An arson fire that left Fairington Elementary School damaged and dirty has turned out to be an adventure for the young students who are going to makeshift quarters at Miller Grove High School this week.

Saturday’s fire at the school in Lithonia damaged desks, chairs and books. Investigators believe the fire was started on purpose, reports WSB TV.

Although the fire was contained to one classroom, the main school building experienced extensive water, smoke and soot damage, the school system says on its Facebook page. The multipurpose building/gym was not damaged.

A team of nearly 150 workers are working around the clock to clean up the mess.

“This is a challenging time for the Fairington Family but we will prevail,” said Superintendent Michael Thurmond. “The safety of our children will always be our top priority.”

The youngsters were welcomed by the high school students and staff on Tuesday, school officials said.

Authorities are working to find the arson suspect.

WSB reports that students will return to Fairington Elementary on Monday.

»See more on this story at the WSB TV website.Screenshot from WSB