Puckapunyal Primary School destroyed by fire

A fire has ripped through a regional primary school on Sunday afternoon, devastating the local community.

Fire has destroyed Puckapunyal Primary School. File picture: Steve Tanner

Fire has ripped through Puckapunyal Primary School as police probe the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters were called to the school on Alamein Road just before 2pm to find the building fully ignited, and brought it under control within two hours.

Investigators are probing what caused the blaze, with no-one reported injured.

More than 250 children attend the campus, and will now be moved to Seymour College from Monday for the remainder of the year.

The Department of Education confirmed the fire damaged a “large area of the main school building” and “no student or staff member was onsite at the time”.

Education Minister James Merlino said it was “very sad news”.

“Puckapunyal Primary School has had facilities destroyed in a fire today,” he said, confirming supports would be put in place for staff and students.

“It will be an extremely difficult time for staff, students and the broader community.

“But we will rebuild impacted buildings as quickly as we can.”

The school was first opened in 1887, but moved and rebuilt on its current site in 1956.

The school community took to social media to express their sadness.

“This is so devastating but if a community can rally to make a situation better the Pucka community can,” one person said.

“I’ve seen this and experienced it first hand. Sending our best wishes to all of the amazing staff and students.”

“My heart is breaking,” said another, “Such an amazing community and school to be a part of. But we will rebuild.”