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Officials investigating early morning bus fire at Vance Elementary


Fire crews respond to a bus on fire at Vance Elementary School (Photo courtesy: Leigh Armistead)
Fire crews respond to a bus on fire at Vance Elementary School (Photo courtesy: Leigh Armistead)
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A fire broke out on a bus at Vance Elementary School early Sunday morning.

On Twitter, Asheville City Schools says the bus that sustained the most damage was located near the school's bus alley awning, which caught on fire. The school building itself was never on fire.

The tweet also indicated smoke entered the gym and caused a faint smoke smell in some portions of the building.

No one was injured.

All buses on Asheville City Schools campuses are being checked by the Asheville Police Department, according to a tweet from the school system,

Kelley Klope, a spokeswoman for the fire department, said a number of crews were called to the West Asheville elementary school just after 3:15 am.

She says in addition to one bus on fire, there was evidence someone tried to ignite two others. Each bus had fire damage in one seat.

Asheville City Schools Superintendent Denise Patterson sent a message to parents saying a fourth bus was involved, but did not sustain any damage.

Klope said the Asheville Police Department and school officials were also on the scene at the school.

Asheville City Schools says all four buses have been moved to the Buncombe County Bus Garage for further inspection and investigation.

The school system released the following changes to buses:

  • Bus 629 will be 642.
  • Bus 182 is going to Asheville High School in place of 642.
  • Bus 2845 will be 115.
  • Bus 639 will be 618
  • Bus 640 will be 167.

The fire marshal is investigating.


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