Arson Suspected in Fire at Vacant School

Afire that damaged two bungalow classrooms at a vacant school in Woodland Hills was believed to be arson, possibly by youths playing with matches, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported Thursday.

Firefighters were called to Charles Evans Hughes Junior High School in the 5600 block of Capistrano Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, officials said. The fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes. It caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, officials said.

The school has not been used since 1983. Fire spokesman Jim Wells said the fire was believed to have been started by an incendiary device, most likely matches lit by youngsters who were gone by the time firefighters arrived. No arrests were made and an investigation is continuing.