SLED investigating fire at historic school building in Conway

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - An investigation into the fire at a historic Conway elementary school Tuesday has been launched.

The Conway Fire Department said the fire broke out just before 1 a.m. at the former Whittemore Elementary School building on Maple Street. Crews from the Conway Fire Department and Horry County Fire Department continued to fight hot spots past 7 a.m.

The Conway Police Department requested the SLED Arson Unit to investigate the fire.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No other details are available at this time.

The Whittemore Elementary building has been empty for decades and a topic of discussion at many Conway City Council meetings.

Conway City Council members have previously discussed the possibility of both demolishing or renovating it.

In January, it was revealed the renovation costs for Whittemore had nearly doubled, with structural engineers estimating it would take upwards of $30 million.

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