Columbia Head Start officials are searching today for a new home for 20 students displaced after a fire caused an estimated $50,000 worth of damage to the Head Start preschool on Worley Street. The fire broke out Sunday evening around 6.
Assistant Fire Marshal Tim Bach said the cause of the fire was in the electrical disconnect to the air conditioner. When crews arrived on the scene, fire was coming out of the building. Crews found a fire in the basement that extended to the attic through a wall.
Head Start Director of Operations Beth Vossler said it’s fortunate the fire happened on a weekend when nobody was there.
“It’s not obviously something that anybody plans on. I think staff are in disbelief," said Vossler. "Obviously you’re saddened because we want to provide for the families that we serve. Thank goodness no one was there because it could have been a lot worse.”
Vossler said she isn’t sure how long it will take to repair the building. She said the students should have a temporary classroom by Wednesday at the latest.