BOONE, NC (WBTV) - Fire crews were called to a three-alarm fire at the old Watauga High School building in Boone late Tuesday afternoon.
The call came in around 3:30 p.m., officials said.
According to fire officials, smoke was seen coming from the building as crews arrived and the fire was put out within 45 minutes.
Investigators believe the fire started in the cafeteria area of the building.
The Watauga County Sheriff's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are seeking information about the fire.
A witness told investigators they saw a white Subaru Outback with Virginia tags in the area between 2 and 3 p.m.
The witness also reported that there were two white males in their thirties who were looking around the property and into the windows of the school.
Evidence of vandalism was also found including trash and broken windows as well as several campfire type sites.
The school has been vacant for two years.
Damage was estimated at $10,000.
Three people were found staying in the school Wednesday morning and charged with breaking and entering and entering and burning a public building, according to Boone Police.
They are not charged in Tuesday's fire.
Anyone with any information about this incident or this vehicle is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 828-268-6959 or Watauga County Sheriff's Office at 828-264-3761.
The school hasn't been used for classes in several years.
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