For the second time in eight days, fire has damaged the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS).
An alarm at the school activated shortly after 2 a.m. Friday. A CSAS security guard, who lives on campus, heard the alarm and went to investigate. When the security guard discovered a broken window in the cafeteria and smelled smoke, he called 911.
Two police officers with the Chattanooga Police Department were in the area and responded to the scene. They searched the building but found no one. One of the officers found the source of the fire in a corridor between the cafeteria and the band room. The officer used a portable fire extinguisher in an attempt to put the fire out, but had to back out due to the intense smoke. Chattanooga firefighters arrived moments later and finished extinguishing the fire. No injuries were reported.
The corridor was severely charred, with the loss estimated at around $5,000. That estimate does not include the cost of cleaning up the charred walls and doors. Fire investigators have determined from their initial investigation early this morning that the fire appeared to be deliberately set.
On April 19, a fire was started in the old gym. The fire was small and quickly extinguished by the school's band director. Nevertheless, classes were in session and lives were endangered, fire officials said. Arson is suspected in that fire as well. The investigation is ongoing.