A fire that has caused significant damage to the Mullewa District High School, 90 km east of Geraldton, is being treated as suspicious, with the police arson squad now called to look into the matter.

At 10:30 last night firefighters arrived to flames engulfing buildings at the school.

FESA spokespeople put the damage at over $300,000.

Rewards of up to $50,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police have released the following statement:

At about 10:30pm on Monday 5 August 2013 Mullewa Police were advised of a fire at the Mullewa District High School.

Both Mullewa Police and Mullewa volunteer Fire and Rescue attended the scene and observed a significant fire in the art room which is situated at the rear of the school. The art room is a separate structure detached from the main building. DFES crews from Geraldton and Northampton attended Mullewa to assist with the fighting of the blaze.

By about 1:30am, 6 August the fire was extinguished. The fire appears to have engulfed the entire structure, destroying the room and it’s contents.

At this time the fire is being treated as suspicious, and the site has been guarded by police until further physical examination can be undertaken by DFES Fire Investigators and Police Arson Squad.

The Mullewa District High School Principal Ms Nicky PATERSON has closed the school for today, whilst investigations are carried out.