1957: Editorial: Arson in Gymnasium Fire Now Distinct Possibility

This story originally appeared in the March 14, 1957, edition of The Yuma Daily Sun.

The ugly suspicion of arson has been raised in the fire which destroyed the gymnasium at Yuma Union High School. As this is written, authorities have not revealed finding any evidence that the gymnasium fire was deliberately set.

However, there is no doubt that the later, abortive fire at Snider Hall was the work of a firebug. And because it followed the gym fire by only eight days, there is adequate reason to suspect arson in the gym fire on March 4th.

Police and fire officials are of course running down every possible lead. And in this work they welcome constructive help from every citizen. The right clue could conceivably prevent the arsonist from further senseless destruction of public property.

***

In the meantime, the school's misfortune in the gymnasium fire has been softened in two ways.

First, and of vital importance financially, is the announcement that "replacement" insurance was carried on the building. We understand this to mean that the gym which burned will be replaced, or its equivalent in cash provided, by the insurance firm. The high school district, already faced with the possibility of an unexpected outlay of cash for a new building site, is indeed fortunate to have such insurance.

Secondly, the high school may again consider itself fortunate in having so many friends in the community. Both military installations, Yuma Test Station and Vincent Air Force Base, have offered athletic and gym facilities to the limit of their capabilities. The Yuma Sun Sox likewise have offered baseball equipment. And from within the student body have come many offers of help. Student organizations in large numbers are working to offset personal losses as well as school losses with funds at their disposal.

Such volunteer aid speaks well, both for the school and for the friends it has made in years gone by.