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HIGHLAND — Investigators were looking at fireworks as the possible cause of a fire that caused between $200,000 and $300,000 at Ridgeline Elementary School early Sunday.
The fire was reported just after midnight. It started on the roof above the kindergarten rooms, said Alpine School District spokeswoman Kim Bird. A photo posted by the district shows a blackened hole on the roof about 30 feet in diameter.
Bird said repairs to the roof trusses, decking and roof membrane will begin this week. Students at Ridgeline Elementary began their summer vacation about a week ago. Although school is out for the summer, the building is still used for summer activities.
She said parts of the school at 6250 W. 11800 North will still be used while the damaged part is repaired.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office found illegal fireworks “in the area” of the fire, according to Chief Deputy Utah State Fire Marshal Ted Black.
“We're not 100 percent sure that's the cause of the fire, but that's the way we're leaning,” he said.
Lone Peak Fire Battalion Chief Danny Campbell said the fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes early Sunday. The official cause is still under investigation.
Officials remind the public that it is only legal to light fireworks in Utah on the following days:
- Three days before July 4, July 4, and three days after July 4
- Three days before July 24, July 24, and three days after July 24
- On New Year’s and on the Chinese New Year
“We want people to have fun,” Black said. “Please, buy fireworks locally, light them responsibly and have a charged garden hose on hand just to be safe.”
Contributing: Geoff Liesik
