Arson Damages Lakewood Elementary School

Quick thinking moms keep fire from spreading

July 24, 2008, 4:51 AM PDT

If not for the quick thinking of a group of moms a fire that damaged Lakewood Elementary School would have been a lot worse.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office says someone deliberately set the fire just before seven Wednesday evening at Lakewood Elementary in Arlington. Crews reported seeing flames and smoke when they arrived on the scene. The first attacked the fire from the outisde before going inside.

Two classrooms were damaged by smoke and fire and there is smoke damage was throughout most of the building. One of the captains on scene reported that this fire could have been much worse and was minutes away from being a large scale attic fire with much more loss. The fire was reported by multiple citizens and neighbors in the area.

A group of moms walking the track at nearby Lakewood High School reported the fire and went to investigate. They reported seeing flames and lots of smoke on the back side of the building near the gym. The quick thinking moms sprung into action. Another citizen provided a fire extinguisher to use on the fire and the moms began breaking glass door windows to access classroom fire extinguishers to help contain the blaze and what they described as "keep from going to the roof" until firefighters arrived on scene.

One person was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation but should be okay. The fire is being investigated by the Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office. The County Fire Marshal reported that this was a "set" fire - arson. It appears the fire was set to outside combustibles next to the school building.We have no further information at this point. Damage and content loss is estimated to be at least $150,000.

The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information on this arson fire.