Historically Black elementary school catches fire Tuesday in Conway. SLED to investigate

A historically Black school hoping to be saved by a historic group in Conway caught fire early Tuesday morning.

Crews from the Conway Fire Department responded to the fire at Whittemore Elementary School at 12:46 a.m., according to a Facebook post.

The department was still at the scene on Maple Street at 7 a.m. and have encouraged residents to avoid the area.

It is not clear what caused the fire. But the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Arson Unit will be investigating it, according to a city spokesperson.

The Racepath Historical Society, a group of alumni who say the school is foundational to the Black community, is attempting to save the school from demolition. The local group submitted a plan to city officials in December, proposing the property be converted to housing and a community center.

The buildings on the site are currently condemned by the city due to presence of asbestos and damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, according to a Request for Proposals document.

This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM.