Newport’s Ensign Intermediate School adjusts PE classes after gym fire

A gym at Ensign Intermediate School in Newport Beach will remain closed until further notice after a fire damaged the girls’ locker room early Friday.

An arson investigation was initiated after authorities said they found signs of forced entry and vandalism at the school at 2000 Cliff Drive.

Students had the day off Friday for the Veterans Day holiday, and as they returned Monday, the entire gym, which also contains a boys’ locker room, was closed so the damage could be assessed.

Instead of gym class, children were given the choice of playing outdoor sports such as basketball and football or taking a study hall period.

Starting Tuesday, students will have the option to participate in a PE class outdoors or take an academic PE class where they can learn about nutrition and the benefits of exercise.

Ensign Principal Mike Sciacca is recommending that students who choose the outdoors class dress casually since they won’t be able to change clothes in the locker rooms.

If the gym won’t be able to reopen quickly, the school likely will bring in portable changing rooms and other accommodations, officials said.

The Newport Beach fire and police departments were notified of the fire at about 4:45 a.m. Friday.

According to fire Capt. Ty Lunde, the fire started in an office of the girls’ locker room and spread to an attic.

Firefighters from Orange, Garden Grove and the Orange County Fire Authority helped battle the blaze. Newport Beach firefighters were simultaneously fighting a massive fire that burned two storage facilities in the 800 block of Production Place off Placentia Avenue, about two miles from the school.

Authorities said they also are investigating the cause of that fire, which was reported at about 2:30 a.m.

Anyone with information about the school fire can contact police Sgt. Bryan Moore at (949) 644-3763 or bmoore@nbpd.org.