Fire-hit Preston primary school to reopen as police investigate 'suspicious' blaze

Crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) tackled the blaze at Ashton Primary School in Ainsdale Drive at around 5.45pm on Saturday evening.

The cause of the fire, which started in a reception classroom, is being investigated by police after the fire service's initial investigation found that it might be 'suspicious'.

No injuries have been reported.

The school remained closed yesterday (Monday, March 10) whilst electricity supplies were reconnected and clean-up efforts continued.

But the school has confirmed that it will welcome back its 200-plus pupils when it reopens this morning (Tuesday, March 10).

Five fire engines from Preston, Wesham, Fulwood and Bamber Bridge, and an aerial ladder platform from Blackpool, were called to the fire at the weekend.

"On arrival fire crews found the roof of the school well alight", said a spokesman for LFRS.

"Five fire engines from Preston, Wesham, Fulwood and Bamber Bridge, and an aerial ladder platform from Blackpool, were called to a fire at the school on Ainsdale Drive, Preston, at 5.44pm on Saturday (March 7)

"Firefighters used two jets, two breathing apparatus and the aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire.

"No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation alongside Lancashire Police."

A police spokesman added: "On March 7, at 6.06pm, Lancashire Police has received a call from Lancashire Fire and Rescue to make them aware they had a current incident at Ashton Primary School in Preston whereby the school was on fire.

"Police have attended the scene and multiple fire trucks have been working to extinguish a fire on the east side of the building which had been caused by unknown means at this time.

"The fire has been extinguished and has caused damage to two classrooms and their roofs.

"There is also smoke damage to other areas of the school.

"It's under investigation."

Crews left the site at 9.15am on Sunday (March 8) after an initial investigation into the cause of the fire had been completed.

Ian Armistead, protection service delivery manager at LFRS, added: "Really quick offensive firefighting needed last night (Saturday, March 7) to stop a rapidly developing fire in the roof space spreading.

"Crews were fantastic. There is lots of damage but hopefully the school can still open and children don’t miss out on their education.

"Cause is being investigated."