By MONROE ROARK
Staff Writer

School officials believe they have made some progress in determined the cause of last week's fire that struck the school system's bus barn just before midnight June 21.

Preliminary findings show that the fire was electrical in nature, according to a written report released Monday night by the school system. It may have begun in the parts room near where a radio charger was plugged in, although it is unknown whether the charger itself or faulty wiring could have caused the blaze.

Fayetteville Fire Chief Alan Jones said that his department found no indication of the fire being anything other than accidental.

Plywood construction and many flammable materials in the area helped spread the fire, while the building acted like an oven and contained the fire and heat, the school system report stated. Firefighters had to force their way into the building during the fire because all doors were secured.

The most damaged area of the roof was removed last Wednesday, making it safe for inspectors to go back into the building.

Everything that could be salvaged from the office and bus shop, with the exception of the tires, is being moved to the old auto shop at the LaFayette Educational Center campus.

Restoration of tools, equipment, furniture and files that appear usable will be done soon, followed by a complete inspection of equipment to determine safety and possible defects.

For safety reasons, the school system contracted with the Fayetteville Police Department to watch the building at night for one week or until it could be secured. School system personnel watched the building the first night after the fire. Added personnel costs are being covered by insurance.

Kemper Insurance Company officials have determined that the building is not a total loss, and a base estimate of $227,000 has been given for repairs to bring it back up to its original condition and current building codes.

Preliminary estimates last week as to the total financial losses sustained were in the neighborhood of $2 million.

The bus shop has been temporarily moved to the old auto shop at LaFayette. Another bay may be constructed to house the larger buses.

Fayette County has offered to provide at least two bays for mechanics to begin working on buses at their facility. That work could begin very soon.