Portland Fire Experts Still Unsure What Caused Marysville Blaze

By Amelia Templeton | April 15, 2010 9 a.m. | Updated: June 16, 2010 11:56 p.m. | Portland, OR

Portland fire experts have finished their investigation of a fire that broke out at Marysville elementary school last year. But they still don’t know exactly how the fire started. Investigators say that problems with the school’s electrical system were not to blame.  The fire began in the school gym. Investigators pinpointed the exact location where it started but they aren’t releasing that information publically.Lieutenant Allen Oswalt is a spokesman for Portland Fire and Rescue. He said that investigators interviewed hundreds of parents, teachers, and maintenance staff. But they still don’t know if the fire was accidental or intentionally set.  “Unless something new comes up, they’ve exhausted all the leads and so barring any new information the case will just remain open.," said Oswalt.The Portland public Schools will receive about $4.5 million from insurance. The district plans to build a new school on the site. But the insurance won’t cover the cost of the new building.

© 2010 OPB

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