Still no cause determined as investigation continues on ex-North Kingsville Elementary school fire

Jan. 04--NORTH KINGSVILLE -- State investigators are still working to pin down the cause of a New Year's Day fire that heavily damaged the former North Kingsville Elementary School.

Village Fire Chief Kevin Hubbard said the state fire marshal's office is still working to determine the cause of the blaze.

"It's all in their hands," Hubbard said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the owner of the century-old brick building is advising people to stay away from the structure because a wall is unstable. North Kingsville Police Chief Hugh Flanigan bought the school and grounds in November 2015 to serve as headquarters for his business, American Roofing and Construction.

On Tuesday, Flanigan said dozens of people have come to the property to snap photos and view the damage. The west wall of the original building had to be opened to allow firefighters access to fire burning between floors, Flanigan said. That wall is shaky and poses a threat, he said.

"The wall is unstable," Flanigan said. "It's a danger."

Firefighters were dispatched to the school on Route 20, a short distance east of Route 193, a few minutes before midnight Dec. 31. Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames shooting from the third-floor roof. Seven fire departments ultimately sent personnel and equipment to battle the blaze, Hubbard said.

Fire continued to smolder in hard-to-reach areas deep in the structure, causing flare-ups that repeatedly sent firefighters back to the scene, Hubbard said. As a result, a contractor was brought in to punch a hole in the west wall to allow water to reach the cavities.

A dollar figure on the damage has not yet been computed, Hubbard said. He was unsure about what might have been stored inside the building. "We're waiting on (the insurance company)," Hubbard said.

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

"The state fire marshal said we had an excellent response," he said.

A firefighter who suffered a back injury at the scene was treated and released at UH Conneaut Medical Center, Hubbard said.

Aside from warning people away from the site for their own safety, Flanigan said he would decline comment on the fire until the state wrapped up its investigation.

"I'm disappointed to see it burn for its history and for our company," he said.

Flanigan said he was unsure how much of the remaining building could or would be salvaged. Smoke and water damage was evident through the school, he said.

"I don't know at this point," Flanigan said. "Right now we're at a standstill."

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

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