AN ARSON attack damaged an art classroom at Fairfield High School this week.
Firefighters say the blaze could have ripped through the building had the alarm not been raised so quickly.
A teacher spotted smoke billowing from a first floor window above the sports hall as he walked to his car.
Sub officer Graham Kirby said: "It was lucky people were in the building at the time, otherwise it could have been much more serious.
"It would not have been until flames burst out of the classroom door and along the corridor before it triggered a fire alarm.
"We are treating it as suspicious, it is under investigation."
Two teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames - from an outside window and from inside the building.
Four fire engines were called to the school on Friday morning as it was feared the blaze could have spread.
Detective Paul Loughlin this week appealed for witnesses.
He said: "We are treating this very seriously. We would like to speak to anyone who knows anything at all about this fire or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area."
A spokesperson for Halton Council said: "It is due to the fire service arriving so quickly that the fire did not cause more severe damage.
"Arrangements for clearing up the affected area were put into place straight away. The timing of the fire means that it is unlikely to have any impact on the school's opening in September."
Anyone with information is asked to ring Widnes CID on 0151-424 7431 or call Crimestoppers, in confidence on 0800-555 111.
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