Suspected arson damages Fort Worth school but won’t stop Monday classes, district says
Students returned to campus Monday after school district officials said someone set fire to Atwood McDonald Elementary late Saturday in east Fort Worth.
Damage caused by the fire, lit around 10:40 p.m. Saturday at 1850 Barron Lane, was limited because school security officers monitoring security feeds spotted someone breaking into the school, the Fort Worth school district said. Authorities were already on the way when the fire started.
Crews were able to contain the fire, but the school was significantly damaged, fire department spokesman Mike Drivdahl said. One person at the school was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, Drivdahl said.
Officers arrested Joseph Dorsey, 61, and he was charged with arson and burglary, according to the fire department and jail records.
Because of the damage and special cleaning needs, parents and students will be directed to alternative pickup and drop-off locations. Some classes may be relocated to different classrooms because of the damage.
This story was originally published October 3, 2021 at 7:37 PM.