Hamilton school fire 'clear case of arson'

Police say a blaze which destroyed one classroom and caused smoke damage to others at a historic Hamilton primary school is a clear case of arson.

Firefighters were called to Hamilton East School, on the corner of Dawson and Grey streets, shortly before 6am today and arrived to find a vacant classroom well ablaze.

"There was fire coming out of the windows and a lot of smoke, it was pretty well-involved," said acting senior station officer Peter Reddish.

Mr Reddish said the fire began in the classroom foyer and was suspicious.

Hamilton CIB is investigating the matter. Acting Detective Sergeant Nigel Keall said it was a clear case of arson.

"There will be some very upset children when they return to their school after the holidays to find that some mindless person has done this to them."

The worst affected classroom was completely gutted by fire with nothing inside salvageable.

Adjoining classrooms were spared but there is extensive smoke damage and large sections of roofing will have to be replaced.

"It is sad to see these things, particularly when it is suspicious and avoidable," said Mr Reddish.

Hamilton East school new entrants teacher, Sheryl Nagels, watched as fire crews dampened hot spots.

Ms Nagels has taught at the decile 4 school, which has a roll of about 300 students, for the past 14 years.

She was battling to understand why anyone would do such a thing to the school, which has one building dating back to the late 19th century.

"Our school has problems with vandals like any other school but this really is distressing...it's a very old school."

"That's the end of our holidays, at least we have a week and a bit to sort it out," she said.

Police are appealing for any information from the public to establish who is responsible for this fire or any other suspicious activity in the area that may be related.