Materials used to install a wood floor are being blamed for a massive fire that gutted an east-side charter school Thursday night, authorities said Friday.
The two-alarm fire did an estimated $1.9 million in damage to Compass High School, 8250 E. 22nd St. The blaze, which was reported just after 6:30 p.m., took nearly three hours and more than 60 firefighters to get under control.
Nearly half the school - including the main office and main gathering areas - was consumed by the fire, but Compass officials say they intend to have classes Monday when the school year begins.
The school will use portable trailers and vacant space on the property to hold classes, said Kerk Ferguson, an administrator and teacher at the school.
School administrators were working with engineers, architects and city officials to get the remaining buildings prepared for Monday, Ferguson said.
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The fire has been ruled accidental, Tucson Fire Department spokeswoman Capt. Tricia Tracy said. She said it was likely started by flammable materials such as paint, floor finishes or adhesives, materials that are meant only to be used in well-ventilated areas.
Parents and students who have questions about classes can call 296-4070 or go to www.compasshsgators.org
On StarNet: Go to azstarnet.com/ gallery for a slide show of photos from the fire.
Reporter Jamar Younger contributed to this report.
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