High school fire remains under investigation

NEWS RELEASE
March 22, 2001
Release: Immediately
Contact: Karen Eubanks, (503) 642-0350 / (503) 229-9381 (pager)

(Oregon City High School Fire Remains Under Investigation)

A bathroom fire at Oregon City High School last Tuesday remains under investigation. Fire officials believe that the fire was intentionally set in a bathroom stall, causing approximately $6,000 damage to the wall and flooring material. Presently, there are no suspects. TVF&R is encouraging students and/or parents with information to contact Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue at (503) 526-2469 or the Oregon City Police Department.

School bathroom fires are not uncommon. TVF&R responds to approximately a dozen incidents each year. Although the fires are typically small in nature and do not result in much property damage, the Fire District takes these incidents very seriously. Karen Eubanks, Public Information Officer, states, "Because of certain criteria relating to this incident (protected property, occupied building, and structural damage), the person(s) responsible for setting this fire could potentially be charged with Arson in the 1^st Degree." Most students do not realize the seriousness of starting a bathroom fire. Eubanks added, "What starts out as a prank, is actually a very serious crime."

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