Arson Fire at New Mexico School Closes It for the Week
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Four Corners elementary school in Shiprock, New Mexico canceled classes for the
rest of the week after someone intentionally set it on fire September 12.
Eyewitness News 4 got a close look at the damage September 13 at the Mesa
Elementary School library in Shiprock. “The library is pretty much a total loss
so it’s going to take a while,” a Central Consolidated School District (CCSD)
spokesman said. It is yet another costly setback for CCSD. In August, the
district said two teens were arrested for vandalizing Nataani Nez Elementary
School, a school that was closed earlier this year because of budget cuts.
“It’s unfortunate, but we’re thankful to the San Juan County Fire Department
for their quick response,” the spokesman said, adding the damage estimate is at
least $100,000. Someone intentionally started the fire in the library, the San
Juan County fire marshal said. He said flames were contained to the library,
but there is smoke damage throughout the building. The FBI and Navajo Police
were investigating the arson case. Nearly 450 students and staff will be out of
school this week as crews try to clean up the damage. School days missed will
be made up at the end of the school year; meanwhile, the district hopes classes
will start back up September 20.
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