Investigators Say Wheatley Elementary School Fire Was Arson

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is seeking those responsible for Friday night’s building fire on Woodbridge School District property in Bridgeville, according to Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal John Galaska.

Galaska said the fire, reported shortly after 7:00 P.M., occurred at the maintenance storage building in the unit block of Church Street on the grounds of the Phillis Wheatley Elementary School. The Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene and found smoke and flames coming from the structure. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and performed an investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause. This investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally started. The arson investigation is active and ongoing at this time. Heavy fire damage is estimated at $80,000. There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal’s – Sussex Division at (302) 856-5600 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. No one will be required to

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