An arson investigation is underway for a school fire in Grundy County. The Palmer Fire Department was dispatched around 3:43pm Sunday for a blaze at Palmer Elementary School. Upon arrival, crews reported heavy smoke in the upper auditorium and lower classroom section. Over 75 firefighters responded mutual aid along with Grundy County EMS and law enforcement. The fire was contained to the auditorium, which ultimately collapsed. No injuries were initially reported.
Palmer Elementary has been closed since 2021 when it was consolidated with Swiss Memorial Elementary.
In a statement the Fire Department said, “Palmer Elementary School has been a staple of the community for over 98 years and we are grieving with each and everyone of you due to this senseless act of arson.”