Troopers investigate Teeland arson

WASILLA -- A fire set in a plastic trash can at Teeland Middle School by unidentified arsonists last week is currently the target of an investigation by the Alaska State Troopers.

On May 1, at around 6 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a fire in the boys' locker room at Teeland Middle School. When they arrived, the fire was already extinguished, so their main role was to investigate the scene.

"It's good that people are alert and can respond to things like this," said Kim Floyd, spokeswoman for the school district.

No injuries were reported, and damages were estimated at $1,500. Floyd said the damages were mostly due to the noxious fumes and odors created by the burning plastic, and that little actual damage was done by the fire. Teams were called in with fans to blow away the stench infusing the locker room's ceiling.

The main casualty was the trash can itself, which was melted into a polymeric blob by the heat of the fire.

According to Floyd, the fire was started in a small plastic trash can. The fire was set during the weekend, when the school is open to community activities and some other public use, so a Teeland student or students are not necessarily to blame.

Floyd said the fire created concern, but that it would ultimately not impact the policy of local schools to remain available on weekends.

"We want to ensure that our schools are available for community use on these days," she said.

Floyd said that, as a result of the arson, the district would be replacing some plastic trash cans with metal counterparts.

Troopers are still seeking information on the case. Anyone able to tell them more about the fire is encouraged to call their Palmer office at 745-2131.