The fire damage at Wagga Public School this morning has been estimated to be more than $1 million.
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Multiple classrooms, offices and a toilet block were destroyed after a fire engulfed a historic building that spread to another building.
Fire and Rescue NSW arrived about 1.30am to find a two-storey building at the school well alight.
In a statement, NSW Police said the fire spread from the two-storey brick building to an attached single-storey weatherboard classroom.
“Fire investigators are working with crime scene officers to determine the cause of the blaze,” police said.
Fire investigators from Sydney arrived at the scene about midday to assist.
FRNSW Superintendent Stewart Alexander said on Saturday the level of damage “is quite severe within the structure”.
“Fortunately, we’ve had a structural engineer look at the brick work and they’re confident that it would remain intact,” Superintendent Alexander said.
“It’s only a very minor chance of collapse, but we’ll be setting up exclusion zones to keep the members of the public safe.”
The timeframe of the exclusion zone is indefinite.
Investigations have included the use of a drone to obtain aerial footage.
“It’s a very coordinated and scientific approach,” Superintendent Alexander said.
“They’ll be looking at hot-burn patterns and the scene, as well as talk with firefighters who were here first.”
Fire and Rescue NSW units from Wagga, Junee, Albury and Temora, were assisted by local NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers.
Education Department begins planning
While investigations continue, the NSW Department of Education has started plans to ensure students are accommodated and school resumes normally.
A NSW Education Department spokesperson said temporary buildings will be installed on school grounds until the classrooms, two offices and toilet block destroyed by the fire are rebuilt.
“Within the next two weeks, the school will use social and online media to communicate with parents and caregivers about arrangements for day one in term one,” the spokesperson said.
“Local emergency services are to be congratulated for responding quickly to the fire and the department is working with them to determine the cause of the blaze.”
Counsellors will be available when school returns to help any students distressed by the incident.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Wagga Police Station on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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