Update: Fire That Destroyed New School Portables Called 'Suspicious"

By Bay City News Service

 Updated 2:45 p.m.:  

A fire that destroyed six portable units on San Leandro Unified
School District property early Friday morning is considered suspicious, a fire
department spokeswoman said this afternoon.

The fire at 14735 Juniper St. was reported at 12:12 a.m.,
according to the Alameda County Fire Department. When firefighters arrived,
the portable units were already fully involved in flames.

Initially reported to be at the neighboring James Madison
Elementary School, the fire actually took place in portable units on a school
district parking lot next door, department spokeswoman Aisha Knowles said.

The fire, which started inside the units, is considered suspicious, but investigators have been hindered by the extensive damage to
the structures, aren't safe yet for anyone to enter.

Knowles said the units were brand new, having been delivered only
the day before.

School District Superintendent Cindy M. Cathey in a statement said the fire
destroyed a large portable classroom that was to house district staff during
renovations of the main building.

 "The portable classroom was in multiple sections as it had not yet
been put together," Cathey said.

No one was injured in the fire, Cathey said. The area has been
declared a crime scene while police investigate.

          Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.