School

officials believe they have made some progress in

determined the cause of last week's fire that

struck the school system's bus barn just before

midnight June 21.

Preliminary

findings show that the fire was electrical in

nature, according to a written report released

Monday night by the school system. It may have

begun in the parts room near where a radio

charger was plugged in, although it is unknown

whether the charger itself or faulty wiring could

have caused the blaze.

Fayetteville

Fire Chief Alan Jones said that his department

found no indication of the fire being anything

other than accidental.

Plywood

construction and many flammable materials in the

area helped spread the fire, while the building

acted like an oven and contained the fire and

heat, the school system report stated.

Firefighters had to force their way into the

building during the fire because all doors were

secured.

The

most damaged area of the roof was removed last

Wednesday, making it safe for inspectors to go

back into the building.

Everything

that could be salvaged from the office and bus

shop, with the exception of the tires, is being

moved to the old auto shop at the LaFayette

Educational Center campus.

Restoration

of tools, equipment, furniture and files that

appear usable will be done soon, followed by a

complete inspection of equipment to determine

safety and possible defects.

For

safety reasons, the school system contracted with

the Fayetteville Police Department to watch the

building at night for one week or until it could

be secured. School system personnel watched the

building the first night after the fire. Added

personnel costs are being covered by insurance.

Kemper

Insurance Company officials have determined that

the building is not a total loss, and a base

estimate of $227,000 has been given for repairs

to bring it back up to its original condition and

current building codes.

Preliminary

estimates last week as to the total financial

losses sustained were in the neighborhood of $2

million.

The

bus shop has been temporarily moved to the old

auto shop at LaFayette. Another bay may be

constructed to house the larger buses.

Fayette

County has offered to provide at least two bays

for mechanics to begin working on buses at their

facility. That work could begin very soon.

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