Chula Vista officials are investigating a suspicious fire that sparked in an empty high school cafeteria Thanksgiving morning.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Garcia of the Chula Vista Fire Department, an unknown suspect or suspects broke into Chula Vista High School and vandalized several rooms on campus, including the school cafeteria.
At around 7:50 a.m., fire officials rushed to the school after smoke was reported coming from the cafeteria.
Garcia says a fire, which officials found to be suspicious in nature, had sparked in the kitchen area. Crews were able to quickly knock it down, and no injuries were reported.
Officials believe the suspect or suspects responsible for the vandalism on campus may have also intentionally set the blaze. The investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.
According to Garcia, the vandalism at the high school included broken windows and ransacked classrooms. Some unspecified school equipment was also destroyed, he said.
As of 9 a.m., two investigations are happening on campus: one concerning the break-in and vandalism and the other concerning the suspicious fire.
The Chula Vista Police Department is handling the break-in investigation. At this time, there are no suspects in custody.
Chula Vista High School is located at 820 4th Ave. and is part of the Sweetwater Union High School District.
