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Possible arson at DMS
The recent fire at the Dandan Middle School campus was reportedly possibly an act of arson and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services continues to investigate the incident.
According to a statement from DMS, the school was allegedly hit by arsonists a little before midnight last Saturday, July 25. The culprits allegedly lit the back of the DMS stage storage area on fire, causing severe damage to the tin roof and equipment stored there.
The culprits also allegedly broke three of DMS’ surveillance cameras prior to starting the fire.
DMS estimates the damage to amount to thousands of dollars.
DFEMS spokesperson Derek Gersonde said DFEMS is working on getting out a full report on the incident as well as video footage for members of the community to possibly identify the culprits.
Saipan Tribune tried to reach out to Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada regarding the incident but he did not respond as of 6pm press time last Tuesday.
If you may have any information on the incident, contact DMS at 664-5025/237-3662, or email them at reo.arriola@cnmipss.org.
According to Saipan Tribune archives, back in February, a fire that engulfed multiple classrooms at the old Hopwood Middle School campus was also believed to have been started deliberately.
Hopwood principal Dr. Rizalina Liwag said she learned after speaking with DFEMS investigators that they believe that the fire that they extinguished at Hopwood’s Building B could have been intentionally set.
