Garage heater likely caused Waubonsie Valley fire

Aurora fire officials say all signs indicate a faulty heater triggered a Saturday night fire at Waubonsie Valley High School.

A 30-by-50-foot concrete block storage garage on the campus's north side ignited around 8 p.m. Saturday but did not affect the homecoming dance taking place inside the school.

Damage to the building and its contents of yard and field maintenance equipment, gasoline and fertilizer has been estimated at $500,000.

A malfunctioning heater appeared to cause the blaze but tests weren't done to confirm its role because the fire was not determined to be suspicious, Asst. Fire Chief John Lehman said Wednesday.

"We're leaving the cause as undetermined, but all signs point to that heater playing a role," he said.

Waubonsie Valley Principal Kristine Marchiando posted a memo to families on the school's Web site identifying the heater as the cause and thanking everyone for their assistance.

"I want to let you know that the Aurora Fire Department identified the cause of the fire that damaged a storage building near the north parking lot on Saturday night. The fire was caused by a heater that malfunctioned," Marchiando wrote. "We are appreciative of the Aurora fire and police departments' quick response and handling of the situation. We are also grateful for the patience shown by our students and parents who were at school for the homecoming dance on Saturday evening."