UPDATE – 4:27 p.m.
While authorities continue to investigate a fire that destroyed a portable classroom at Camino Real Elementary Monday, emergency officials suspect it might have been caused by an electrical issue in the structure, said Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor.
As a result, Hays CISD Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy said the district estimates the cost to replace the portable ranges anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000. That cost includes cleanup and removal of the damaged structure, along with installing a new portable, which will have plumbing, along with new furniture. Savoy said the portable and furniture were covered by the district's insurance.
Hays CISD is planning to place the 44 total students and two educators whose classrooms were impacted by the fire into another area within Camino Real Elementary for the time being. Savoy said once the investigation is complete, the district will work "as fast as we can" to replace the portable. Camino Real Elementary will operate on a normal schedule Aug. 21.
However, items brought in by the two educators for their classrooms, such as school supplies and decorations, is not covered by insurance, Savoy said.
Savoy said community members and educators are starting to donate items, supplies and funds to the teachers and students impacted by the fire.
"People are very warmly offering to help, as well as businesses and even the (Hays CISD) Education Foundation," Savoy said.
Anyone who wishes to assist the teachers and students impacted by the fire should make a cash, check or gift card donation to the Camino Real Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Savoy said.
"We appreciate everyone doing what they can to help," Savoy said.
EARLIER
No one was hurt late Monday after fire destroyed a portable classroom at Camino Real Elementary.
Kyle Fire Department Chief Kyle Taylor said first responders were dispatched to the school, located in the 100 block of Las Brisas Blvd. in Niederwald, at around 11:15 p.m. Monday.
When fire crews arrived, one of four portable buildings behind the school was full involved in fire. Fire crews remained at the scene until 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Taylor said. The structure was a total loss, but no other portables were damaged in the fire.
Taylor said Hays CISD officials estimated a replacement portable would cost approximately $120,000. However, an official estimate of damages is unknown at this time.
Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, however Taylor said there was "nothing suspicious" about the fire.
This story is developing. We will provide updates as they become available.
