Fire Guts Catholic High School Library
A suspicious fire in the main building of a Roman Catholic high school in Downey on Saturday caused $1.5 million damage to second-floor libraries but there were no injuries. The fire at Pius X High School gutted the main library and severely damaged an adjacent teachers’ library.
Fire Capt. Steve Knight said the origin of the fire, which broke out at 5 a.m., was “very suspicious” and the investigation was continuing.
“Some of the firemen are Catholic and helped us save the Sacrament,” said assistant football coach Dick Engles. The main structure, erected in 1953, was said to be structurally sound and school officials expected it could be opened to students by Wednesday.
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