An electrical issue is the suspected cause of a fire that destroyed a portable classroom at Camino Real Elementary late Monday, which officials have ruled was accidental.
Kyle Taylor, Kyle Fire Department chief, said first responders were dispatched to the campus, located on Las Brisas Blvd. near Niederwald, at around 11:15 p.m. Monday. When firefighters arrived, one of four portable buildings behind the school was in flames, Taylor said. The structure was a total loss, but no other portables were damaged. No one was hurt in the fire.
Hays CISD Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy said 44 total students and two educators were impacted by the blaze. The district plans to house them within Camino Real Elementary for the time being until a new structure is built. Once authorities complete their investigation, Savoy said the district plans to work “as fast as we can” to replace the structure.
Savoy said the cost to replace the portable and furniture destroyed in the fire ranges from $200,000 to $250,000, all of it covered by the district’s insurance.
But items such as school supplies and decorations furnished by the teachers were not covered by insurance, Savoy said. Community members and educators have begun to donate supplies, items and funds to the educators and students who were impacted.
“People are very warmly offering to help, as well as businesses and the (Hays CISD) Education Foundation,” Savoy said.
Anyone who wishes to assist those impacted by the fire should make a cash, check or gift card donation to the Camino Real PTA, Savoy said.
“We appreciate everyone doing what they can to help,” Savoy said.
