The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

August 27, 2008

More fires reported at old Stoco school

Four days after first blaze destroyed building, officials return

Amelia A. Pridemore

Firefighters were twice called to the site of the original Stoco School building in Lego Wednesday, four days after arsonists were believed to have destroyed it.

Six volunteer fire departments were called to the burned building near Odd Road around 6 p.m. Wednesday for yet another fire, according to the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center. As of 9 p.m., the blaze was contained to the structure’s walls.

Another smaller fire was reported at the same location before 8 a.m. Wednesday, the EOC said.

Two other fires were reported last Sunday.

The now-abandoned building was declared a total loss last Saturday after firefighters say they arrived in the early morning to find two floors of the three-story building engulfed in flames.

Chief Ryan Bragg of the Coal City Volunteer Fire Department said state fire marshals would investigate, but the cause was likely arson.

The EOC said the state fire marshal’s office has been called to the scene again, noting the initial fire was Saturday and the building has been rained on for two straight days.

The Register-Herald attempted to contact the state fire marshal’s office early Wednesday afternoon for an update on the investigation, but no one could be reached for comment.

— E-mail:

apridemore@register-herald.com

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