Large fire rips through Dominguez High School in Compton, leaving damage to campus cafeteria
The campus will be closed Tuesday, according to the district, and classes will not be held onsite.
COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters battled a large fire that ripped through a high school in Compton and left extensive damage to the campus cafeteria.
AIR7 HD video captured the flames as they tore through the roof of Dominguez High School on San Jose Avenue Monday evening. Smoke billowed from the building as most of the flames were being extinguished.
The Compton Unified School District said the fire started in the school's cafeteria. No injuries were reported as the campus was closed Monday for President's Day.
"It's a big deal because we have after-school programs," said Marcus Huff, a member of campus security. "Plus, our kids have to eat early in the morning. It's a big area for our kids to eat as well. It's a tough loss for us right now."
The campus will be closed Tuesday, according to the district, and classes will not be held onsite. Staff will receive specific instructions as to where they are to report, the district said.
"My heart is just with the students and the families," said principal Caleb Oliver. "So, I just think of the student who expects to be at school the next day, and how we have to delay that for now until we can return safely."
Students who would have received breakfast or lunch are being asked to report to Clinton Elementary School nearby. Dominguez H.S. staff will be there to support Tuesday morning.
"We are grateful that there are no reported injuries and for our school and district community who have already come together to start planning for instruction to resume," read a statement sent to Eyewitness News.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
