Former Coach, A.D.’s Office Burglarized, Set On Fire

The office of a former coach and athletics director at Glenn Hills High School was destroyed Wednesday afternoon by a fire that was intentionally set and that significantly damaged other areas of the school, authorities said. 

Richmond County Fire Investigator Lt. Neal Brown said arson is the cause of the fire, which likely caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

Brown said firefighters found evidence of burglary in James Quarles’ office and other rooms, although it’s unclear whether anything was stolen.

He said authorities have no suspects.

Quarles, who was at home when the fire started in his office, lamented the loss of “22 years of memories” as he stood outside the gym next to the blackened remains of his desk.

Quarles, who still teaches personal fitness at the school, said the flames consumed his computer, printer, about 100 T-Shirts and some records.

Richmond County Fire Battalion Chief C.D. Russell said the fire was first reported at 1:36 p.m. by students who saw the smoke while they were playing basketball.

Russell said “smoke was everywhere,” but the fire was contained to the approximately 15-foot-by-15-foot office within 11 minutes of the firefighters’ arrival at 1:41 p.m.

He said two firefighters suffered injuries and were taken to University Hospital’s prompt care center, where they were treated and released.

Russell said one bruised his shoulder when part of the ceiling fell on him and the other had first- and second-degree burns from touching a hot concrete wall.

Richmond County schools spokeswoman Louis Svehla said that there was extensive damage to the upper gym.

Quarles said the door to his office was unlocked.