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GREENSBORO — An early-morning fire that damaged two trailers at Jones Elementary School was arson, a fire department official said.

Assistant Fire Chief David Douglas said investigators have ruled out accidental causes and believe the fire was intentionally set.

Douglas said officials were in the early stages of their investigation and declined to elaborate Tuesday afternoon on what evidence investigators found or how the fire was started.

The fire, which caused an estimated $55,000 in damage, was reported at 5:19 a.m. and was under control within 40 minutes. There were no injuries, Douglas said.

The fire started in one trailer of a four-trailer pod outside the elementary school.

Principal Bea Jones said a neighbor noticed flames shooting through the roof of a trailer and called 911.

One of the trailers was heavily damaged and the other trailer had light damage, Douglas said. The remaining two trailers in the pod were undamaged.

Jones said the trailers are used for third-grade Spanish immersion classes.

The school opened as scheduled Tuesday although the four trailers were not used.

With the school's entrance blocked, there was confusion Tuesday morning as children were dropped off. Parents were forced to let their children out along South Street, creating traffic congestion.

Two classes were diverted to the school's media center, one was moved to an open classroom and another to the cafeteria. All students ate lunch in their classrooms.

A letter about the fire was to be sent home with students and parents were to receive an automated phone message.

Jones said she was relieved the fire did not do more extensive damage or cause any injuries. "We're lucky," she said.

By midmorning Tuesday, workers from Guilford County Schools were repairing some of the trailers.

The most heavily damaged trailer likely will be removed and the others reopened as quickly as possible, Jones said.

Jones said she was appreciative of the quick response by the Greensboro Fire Department and the school system.

"The way they came and supported us has been great," she said.

Authorities ask people with information about the fire to call Crime Stoppers at 373-1000.

Contact Amy Dominello at 373-7091 or adominello@news-record.com