HARRISBURG — An arson Investigation at former William Penn High School is underway after a fire was started there intentionally Monday morning, according to Fire Chief Brian Enterline.
Flames started in the former auto body shop in the northern end of the building, which was last used in 2011 as a career and technology school. Harrisburg firefighters were able to contain the fire to that portion of the former school in about two hours. No firefighters were injured, and one civilian who was walking in the area was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.
The roof above where the fire started was already compromised, Enterline said, preventing firefighters from going into the building to fight the fire.
Harrisburg School District cancelled classes at nearby Camp Curtin Academy due to smoke in the area.
The fire is being investigated as arson because there are no utilities in the building, Enterline said, adding he believes it was intentionally set by someone or a group of people.