Art Studio Fire Destroys 2 Classrooms at High School

An annual student art show that was scheduled to begin at Redondo Union High School on Thursday was canceled after a fire in a large pottery oven gutted two classrooms--housing art and English classes--and destroyed more than 30 years of student artwork.

Ten firetrucks arrived at the school about 5 a.m. Wednesday and were able to contain the blaze before it spread throughout the building. Fire officials believe the fire started in a kiln in the art classroom that was being used Tuesday to prepare for the festival. The kiln apparently overheated long after the instructor left the campus.

Officials at the Redondo Beach Unified School District said they were shocked and devastated by the fire, but were grateful that no one was injured. They plan to set up a fine arts renaissance fund for donations so that they can rebuild the art studio. Contributions may be sent to the district.