Ormiston College Centre of Learning and Innovation damaged in fire

The multi-million dollar “heart” of Ormiston College has been extensively damaged after a fire late on Sunday night, with police treating the incident as suspicious.

Ormiston College’s Centre of Learning and Innovation critically damaged in fire. FILE PHOTO

The multi-million dollar learning centre at one of southeast Queensland’s top private schools has been badly damaged in a suspicious two-hour fire on Sunday afternoon.

Ormiston College Headmaster Brett Webster on Monday, July 8, shared the shocking news to families that the Centre of Learning and Innovation (CLI) had been badly damaged.

“(There is) damage mainly to the kitchen and cafe area... thankfully nobody was injured,” Mr Webster said.

“The fire is possibly the result of arson and the police have declared the area a crime scene.

“We can expect to commence the new semester as usual this week, albeit without access to the CLI for a period of time,” he said.

A police spokesman said the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Headmaster Brett Webster said news of the fire was "disturbing".

A Queensland Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said five crews attended the school at 5.10pm to find a wall of fire stretching 50m by 30m.

“The fire was under control and hadn’t extended to any nearby buildings,” a spokesman said.

“There was a lot of smoke and the fire was out by 6.40pm.

“A fire investigator was on the scene this morning (July 8).’’

Mr Webster said the college would make alternative arrangements for CLI activities and the provision of a canteen for students.

“While this is an extremely disappointing incident I have no doubt that our community will respond positively, despite the circumstances, to make the most of all the opportunities our new term will bring,” he said.