Abandoned Schools Fire Breaks Out in UK, US, NJ

Several fires have recently occurred at abandoned or derelict school buildings across the United States and the UK. In Bury St Edmunds, a large blaze at the derelict St James' Middle School was treated as suspected arson, with no injuries reported as the building was unoccupied but showed signs of rough sleeping. In South Los Angeles, a fire damaged an abandoned two-story charter school on West Adams Boulevard, which had been vacated as of July 1, 2025; firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly with no injuries reported, and the cause remains under investigation. Meanwhile, a three-alarm fire at the century-old New Jersey Avenue School in Atlantic City caused severe damage; the unoccupied building was slated for demolition and was undergoing asbestos removal, with officials investigating the fire's cause. These incidents highlight the risks and challenges associated with maintaining safety and security at unused school properties. Authorities continue to investigate the origins of these fires to determine if arson or other causes were involved.