Suspected arson at school probed

Police and fire officials are investigating a suspected arson at Alvirne High School on Monday night.

An athletic mat, like those used by high jumpers, was apparently set on fire around 9 p.m., according to police.

Hudson fire Lt. Tim Kearns said a call came in just after 9 p.m. when neighbors noticed a small fire in a wooded area separating Patricia Drive from the high school’s athletic fields.

The fire was “all but out” when firefighters arrived, he said.

The fire damaged the mat and caused minor damage to a ramp leading to a nearby shed, police said.

“It was pretty insignificant,” Kearns said, adding that the football field wasn’t damaged.

The mat, located near the school’s football field, is about a half-mile from the high school itself, Kearns said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hudson Fire Department at 886-6021.

School was held, as usual, Tuesday morning