The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to an outside fire at G. L. H. Johnson school this evening at 6:18pm. Units arriving on scene found heavy smoke and fire being produced by a large playground set that was fully involved with fire. Two Engines, a Safety Officer and one Chief Officer were on the scene for about 1 hour and 20 minutes bringing the fire under control and extinguishing smoldering debris. One of the free-standing classrooms sustained minor damage from the heat with some of the vinyl siding being melted. The classroom was checked inside to assure no extension of the fire.
School officials were called to the scene to be informed of the situation. Danville Police were called to the scene to do a report and the Fire Marshal's office will investigate the incident.
The fire is being considered suspicious in nature since there was no source of ignition at the scene. School officials valued the equipment at $120,000.
Released by: Battalion Chief, Dallas R. Swiney