A King County fire investigator determined arson to be the cause of a fire in a covered walkway at Kenmore Junior High, 20323 66th Ave. N.E., Monday morning. At 5:05 a.m., the Northshore Fire Department responded and discovered the walkway canopy ablaze. Firefighters extinguished the flames, preventing extension to the adjacent gymnasium.

“The covered walkway, located in a courtyard, cannot be seen from the street, so it’s fortunate that the fire was discovered by the school janitor in its early stage,” said Terri Jones, Northshore Fire Department public information officer.

Substitute custodian Xamlee “Sam” Meexo alerted authorities to the arson when he arrived on campus early to the smell of smoke, found the fire and immediately dialed 911, according to Northshore School District Public Information Officer Leanna Albrecht.

The fire was contained to the covered walkway by the gym and no buildings or classrooms were damaged.

NW Insurance Council and Arson Alarm Foundation are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for setting fire to Kenmore Junior High Monday morning.

The fire caused approximately $10,000 in damage.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Arson Hotline at 800-55-ARSON or contact local authorities. Callers may remain anonymous.

The fire investigator posted ARSON signs on the school campus that include the arson hotline phone number, 1-800-ARSON. Anyone who has information about the fire should call the arson hotline or Fire Marshal Jeff LaFlam at the Northshore Fire Department at (425) 486-2784.