POLICE have confirmed the fire which destroyed an entire wing of the Daylesford Secondary College on December 28 was caused by an electrical fault, dispelling concerns the blaze was deliberately lit.
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The fire, which begun around 3.20am, destroyed the school’s north wing, housing science classrooms, a computer lab and staff rooms. It took firefighters more than two hours to control the fire.
Detective Senior Constable Brian Mallock from the Baccus Marsh Criminal Investigations Unit said all fires were treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.
Daylesford Secondary College principal Graeme Holmes said despite the setback, the school was ready for the academic year. “We’ve got replacement science classrooms and staff rooms,” Mr Holmes said. “Our priority is to make sure the students are not negatively impacted.”
Year 7 and 12 students returned to school last Thursday, while the rest returned on Monday.
The Victorian government has promised to put $10 million worth of upgrades to the school.
