KEY POINTS:
Two fires have caused damage worth more than $15,000 at a Rangiora school early today.
Police and fire services were called to Ashgrove Primary School about 3.50am.
Two fires had been started, the first to a $200 sandpit cover, which had been taken from the sandpit and strung over a fence before being set alight.
The second blaze caused extensive damage to a fenced area behind the school's new staff room.
Inspector Alan Weston from southern police communications said the blaze was put out just before it set the whole office block alight.
That fire caused an estimated $15,000 damage.
Ashgrove School principal Christine Houia told police "it was a major concern for the schooling community and it could have been devastating for the children.
"Ashgrove is a good caring school and this sort of activity makes us wary and nervous."
She appealed to anybody with information about the fires to call police. The contact point is Constable Don Munro on 03 3136167.
- NZPA
