N. Kingsville confident fire cleanup ahead

Jan. 12--NORTH KINGSVILLE -- The owner of a former elementary school heavily damaged in a New Year's Day fire is working to deal with the rubble created fighting the blaze, said North Kingsville Mayor Tim Zee.

"He laid out a plan," Zee said Thursday. "I'm sure he will take care of it."

The west wall of the original portion of the school had to be demolished to provide firefighters access to flames burning between floors. A large pile of bricks is all that's left of the wall.

North Kingsville Police Chief Hugh Flanigan bought the property from the Buckeye Local Schools district in November 2015 to serve as headquarters for his business, American Roofing and Construction. Flanigan continues to use the property, Zee said.

"(Flanigan) is still operating out there," he said.

North Kingsville Streets Commissioner Tom Peters is discussing the matter with Flanigan, Zee said.

"We're working to get a speedy result," he said.

Zee said he is confident the old school will be addressed properly by Flanigan once insurance matters and other business related to the fire is complete.

"We don't expect a quick solution," he said. "I'm sure (Flanigan) will leave that property in good shape."

A few days after the fire Flanigan said he would not comment on the fire until the state fire marshal's office had concluded its investigation. A spokeswoman for the state said more information would be available "at a later date."

North Kingsville Fire Chief Kevin Hubbard said Thursday he has not received any updated information from the state investigators.

Flanigan did advise gawkers and souvenir hunters to stay away from the building because fire-scorched walls may be unstable and pose a collapse threat. People seem to be cooperating, Zee said.

"We haven't had any incidents (at the property)," he said.

Firefighters were dispatched to the old school a few minutes before midnight Dec. 31. Flames could be seen shooting from the third floor roof, said North Kingsville Fire Chief Kevin Hubbard.

Several neighboring departments sent personnel and equipment to help village firefighters, Hubbard said.

The original school was built in 1915, followed by an addition in 1961. Hubbard has said the eastern section of the school was saved, as was the gymnasium in the original structure.

The Buckeye Local Schools district closed the building at the end of the 2010-11 year in a cost-cutting move.

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