WHEELOCK — A historic building, known as the old Wheelock schoolhouse, was consumed by fire early Friday morning, prompting an investigation into the cause of the blaze, which officials are deeming suspicious.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 31 Blakely Road at approximately 4:28 a.m. and discovered the structure fully engulfed.
The Wheelock Fire Department, faced with the instability of the building, was forced to combat the flames from the outside, but the schoolhouse could not be salvaged.
Wheelock Fire Chief Shane Lanpher immediately requested assistance from the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit to determine the fire’s origin and cause.
The investigation revealed that there was no electricity supply to the building and it was unoccupied when the fire broke out.
Authorities are now looking for leads and have urged the public to come forward with any information.
Detective Sergeant James Wright of the Shaftsbury Barracks is the point of contact for tips, which can be submitted by calling 802-748-3111.
Additionally, information can be reported to the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON.
The program offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
