Criminal investigation into Central School Building fire continues after two months

By Joe Hathaway on Monday, July 29th, 2024 in Featured Stories More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER CITY – More than two months after a massive fire gutted the historic Central School Building in Baker City, the investigation into how it started continues.

Oregon State Police tells Elkhorn Media group the criminal investigation into the cause continues and as of July 26, there were no new details to release.

The 108-year-old building was severely damaged in a fire on Wednesday, May 22. It had been vacant since 2009.

The fire began around 6:30am that morning and dozens of firefighters from the area fought it nearly the entire day. The roof of the building collapsed and fire officials said the inside of the building was “gutted.”

The Baker School District commenced the demolition of the historic Central School Building earlier this month. Demolition efforts, led by Alpine Abatement out of Redmond, are set to be completed by August 16.