SAMOHI — Firefighters and a hazardous materials truck responded to an arson fire at Santa Monica High School’s south gym Tuesday afternoon.
The call came at 1:55 p.m. Firefighters found up to 10 lockers ablaze, said Santa Monica Fire Department spokesman Capt. Judah Mitchell.
As a precaution, some students were evacuated from the area.
The fire caused moderate smoke damage in the boys’ locker room, Mitchell said.
Arson investigators from the fire and police departments responded to the scene and are conducting a joint investigation, according to a release by police spokesperson Sgt. Richard Lewis.
Security guards at all entrances of the campus refused to let visitors onto the campus as firefighters and police worked the scene.
The south gym is slated to be demolished as part of a three-stage renewal of the high school’s sports facilities.
ashley@www.smdp.com