CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — An overnight fire that damaged the former Whittemore school building in Conway is being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, according to a spokesperson for the city.
The fire at the building located at 1904 Maple Street broke out shortly before 1 a.m., according to the Conway Fire Department. The fire is under control, but as of 7 a.m., crews were still at the scene working to extinguish hot spots.
The building has been in disrepair since it was damaged during Hurricane Matthew in September 2016. It was condemned by the city in 2019.
Cheryl Adamson, president of the Whittemore Racepath Historical Society, which has been pushing to save and renovate the school, said the fire appears suspicious because there was no electricity in the building.
No injuries have been reported and Horry Street remains closed between Maple and Rhue streets, the city said. Authorities have asked people to avoid the area.
Horry County Fire Rescue is assisting at the scene.
No additional information was immediately available.
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Dennis Bright is a digital producer at News13. Dennis is a West Virginia native and graduate of Marshall University. He has won copyediting and journalism awards in Virginia and Ohio. Follow Dennis on Twitter and read more of his work here.
