Bothell, Washington – Dumpster Set on Fire at School Being Investigated as a Case of Arson and Vandalism

Bothell, Washington (July 2, 2019) – A fire as well as other cases of vandalism were reported to have happened within the campus area of Westhill Elementary and Sorenson Early Childhood Learning Centering Center on the 19000 block of 88th Avenue Northeast. Fortunately, the only property damaged by the fire was dumpster set on fire. There were no reported injuries in the incident.

The incidents were reported to have unfolded over the course of two nights. Aside from a dumpster, a playfield and some other buildings were also affected vandalism. The Bothell Police are encouraging people with information to share what they know on the incident.

About Fire

It is fortunate no one was harmed in this incident. Any place frequented by people must be secured against fire, whether accidental or intentionally set. Most if not all the steps in fire safety involve securing the area of one’s business or residence. It is also important to make sure that possible combustible materials are discarded properly or at the very least kept away from buildings. Building owners are urged to review fire safety and make sure that an escape plan is formulated in case of fire.

According to a report from the U.S Fire Administration, recorded fatalities in school fires are fortunately rare. However, according to records most fires break out between 8 a.m and 5 p.m., the hours where people are most likely to be in school. As for the causes, the leading causes were cooking, intentional action or heat. Intentional action was the leading cause for unconfined school fires at 41 %. With these facts in mind, it is important that schools must be properly equipped with fire-suppression tools, as well as alarm devices. Student and faculty alike should also be given proper instructions on what to do and where to go once a fire breaks out. By taking these cautionary steps, one can help limit the number of injuries and loss that a fire can cause.

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