Fires reported at two local schools

Damage from a fire at Pioneer Peak Elementary School is estimated at $125,000 with arson a possible cause, according to Alaska State Troopers.

They were notified at 12:10 a.m. Sunday of a fire in progress in a portable classroom behind Pioneer Peak Elementary's main building, Capt. Dennis Casanovas said. One or more people apparently entered three portable classrooms at the school and set one on fire, according to troopers.

Casanovas said troopers will work with the State Fire Marshal's office to investigate what a trooper report called "a suspicious fire." Firefighters from Central Mat-Su Fire Department and Palmer Fire Department responded to the blaze.

Palmer fire chief Dan Contini said only one portable classroom was burned, and its walls and roof remained standing. The room was being turned into a storage area for the school's janitor, he said.

The first firefighters left the scene by 1 a.m. Sunday, with others finishing up at 2 a.m. Two firefighters remained on the scene until 6 a.m., probably giving information to the State Fire Marshal, Contini said.

Earlier Saturday, a fire was set in a recycling bin next to Good Bay Elementary School. Central Mat-Su Fire Department crews extinguished the blaze, which was reported to troopers at 9 p.m.

Damage was estimated at $2,500.

Troopers ask anyone with information about either fire to call the Palmer trooper office at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.