Bedford Police say a fire early Thursday at the former Bedford Middle School was intentionally set, and they have released surveillance photos of a person of interest.
Police released these photos from surveillance video that captured the person of interest.
Firefighters say the fire may have been burning an hour or more by the time they were called, which was about 3 a.m., as it was heavily involved by the time crews arrived.
A search of the building showed no one inside, and no firefighters were hurt.
Police say there has been vandalism on the grounds recently, but it’s too early to say if it is connected. A fire marshal investigation is underway.
“It was really unfortunate to see this happen. We take on these historic buildings because we really love them and that history is a huge part of the project,” project manager Zoe York said.
York is a project manager at the Waukeshaw Development Company in Petersburg. They own the property and were working to renovate and turn the school into 50 apartments.
In total, there are four buildings on the campus. All with different futures.
“There’s the building that’s affectionately known as ‘Old Yellow.’ That’s the original schoolhouse in Bedford and we are planning for that to be turned into a boutique hotel,” Zoe York said.
Crews from five stations, equaling about 45 firefighters, responded to the old school, at 503 Longwood Avenue. Firefighters experienced some setbacks due to a lack of water pressure, as well as from a new roof that was built over the original one.
The building was built in the 1930s and the company still plans to renovate and restore the building.
“That’s part of what happens when you take on historic projects. You run into hurdles you don’t expect and opportunities present themselves. It’s a beautiful building and a great facade,” Zoe York said.
The fire began on the right side of the main building, and traveled through the attic and roof to the other side. The building sustained heavy damage, and the floors collapsed early on. The spire in the center of the building also collapsed. The fire has not reached the “Old Yellow” building or any of the other school buildings.
Fire crews are asking people to stay away from the school, even after crews are gone; do not try to enter the building.
If you have information that can help with this investigation, please call Bedford Police at 540-586-7827.
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