CaptionThe State Bureau of Investigation and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office are investigating a fire at Douglas Byrd Middle School in Fayetteville.
Firefighters got a call about a fire at the school at 1616 Ireland Drive at about 10 p.m. Wednesday night.
"There were huge flames coming from the back side of the roof. A lot of smoke," said Debbie Tanna with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators believe the fire started on the roof of the gym. It collapsed the roof and damaged the cafeteria next door, where part of the roof also collapsed.
They don't know yet how the fire started.
"At this time there's nothing that indicates that it was arson. But we're not ruling it out," Tanna said.
The fire could have started with lightning, an electrical problem, or fireworks, Tanna said. The investigation could go on through the holiday weekend, she added.
"You feel a variety of emotions," said Wanda McPhaul, the spokeswoman for Cumberland County Schools. "We are very thankful that there were no people in the building."
School officials hope the classrooms were not seriously damaged, and that they can be cleaned up before students go back to class on August 25, McPhaul said.
Students may have to share the cafeterias and gyms of two other schools nearby.
"With a little scheduling and creativity we can get kids fed. We have athletic facilities all around that we can share," McPhaul said.
About 650 seventh and eighth graders go to Douglas Byrd Middle School.
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- Ijester Abner on 07/16 09:04 PM
I am a new student at douglas bryd middle a am sad becuase i have not been in the gym yet..
- Kristen Bass on 07/15 12:35 PM
I went there for my 7th and 8th grade year and i also went 2 Douglas Byrd High School for half a semister and i jus cant believe that happened... I actually loved that school. I had some great times there
- Ashley on 07/04 11:15 AM
I was a student at Douglas BYrd Middle School year 07-08. I Know How Much The SChool Ment To The Teachers There And its A sad thing. Douglas Byrd is my life, I lOve That sChool deeply.
- desiree pendleton on 07/02 01:02 AM
this is very crazy, a new principal just started working there when i was in 9th grade. so only 3years and the school is gone..i go to the high school i wonder whats next for the byrd middle hawks this school year...and the up coming 6th graders..its sad
- Tre sharp on 07/01 11:18 PM
Man WTF why did they have to burn my school down man i love that school to death
