Two fires at Thomas Jefferson High School ruled as arson

AUBURN, Wash. — King County fire investigators have ruled two fires at Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn as arson.

Now, fire marshals and deputies are trying to find the person(s) responsible before they hit again.

Officials said the fires occurred on July 1 and July 4 in the lower auxiliary gym at the school.

“The fact that there’s someone trying to burn something down is not good, let alone a school,” neighbor Robin Richards told KIRO 7’s Rob Munoz Monday.

A district spokesperson told KIRO 7 the current cost to repair the damage is $50,000 or less and repairs are expected to be finished in two weeks.

The fire on the July 4 was more serious and caused some smoke damage, officials said.

“That time it turned into a full commercial response because of the amount of damage and smoke that was done,” King County Fire and Rescue Lt. Brad Chaney said.

While school isn’t in session, Federal Way Public Schools still uses part of the gymnasiums for summer sessions.

“There’s all sorts of problems with this. It was done in the middle of the night. We don’t have any witnesses, we don’t know what they used,” Chaney said.

South King Fire said they have more evidence they’re not releasing at this time, but anyone with information about the arson is asked to contact the King County Fire Investigators Tip Line.

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