Two teens arrested in Puyallup elementary school fire that caused millions in damage
Puyallup police arrested two 15-year-old boys on July 8, alleging they ignited a fire at an elementary school that caused millions in damage.
Fireworks caused the two-alarm fire on July 5 at Karshner Elementary School, 1328 8th Ave NW, Puyallup police spokesperson Dan Pashon said in a statement.
Puyallup School District spokesperson Sarah Gillispie said fire, smoke and water damage will cost the district $5 million to $7 million.
“The extensive damage is devastating to the Karshner community,” Gillispie said. “This event complicates our work to reopening safely in the fall.”
Karshner students would still see in-class instruction, but the district is looking for another space.
“All options are being considered,” Gillispie said.
Karshner’s summer meal program has been moved to Stewart Elementary.
Police said two people were throwing fireworks into trash cans near one of the buildings on the southeast side of the school.
Emergency calls came in at 11:06 a.m. on July 5, and first responders arrived to find 6-foot-tall flames near the garbage cans, Pashon said.
Several fire departments were called to put out the fire.
There were no reported injuries.
This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 3:49 PM.
