VASSALBORO — No one was hurt in a fire investigators say was intentionally set this afternoon in a girls’ bathroom at Vassalboro Community School.

The fire forced the evacuation of some 500 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

The students boarded buses in order to keep warm, and were able to return to the gym after about 30 minutes.

There were bused home shortly afterward.

Firefighters received the call at 12:56 p.m., and departments responded both from Vassalboro, Winslow, China and Chelsea

Sgt. Kenneth Grimes, an investigator with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, said it was intentionally set.

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He said investigators will be working throughout the evening and plan to return early Tuesday to interview students and staff.

Firefighters said damage was limited to minor-to-moderate smoke and water damage, all of that confined to the bathroom.

Schools Superintendent Eric Haley, who was at the scene, said he was confident there will be school on Tuesday and that parents would receive a call confirming  tonight.

Vassalboro Community School is in Alternative Organizational Structure 92 with Winslow and Waterville.


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