At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, a fire broke out in the D building at Pleasant Valley High School, the heart of the school’s art department. Although the structure itself survived, much of what made up the building’s spirit did not: art projects, supplies, cameras, and the creative atmosphere that students and staff alike found comfort in.
For sophomore Leah Wallace, the tragedy was personal. “When I first heard about the fire, I was sad and thinking, like, what was gonna happen to, like, all of our projects, and the memories that we also made in there, and all the art supplies,” she said. “I feel like art can really help you during tough times like this—you can get your emotions out without expressing it […] it’s just, like, a very calming way to get everything you’re thinking or want to say out without saying it.”
The fire, which reportedly reignited multiple times throughout the night, caused significant damage, but a greater disaster was narrowly avoided; thanks to the D building’s isolated location paired with the speed of the Chico Fire Department, the rest of campus was spared, though students and staff in the arts program were left to rebuild from scratch. When asked what his first reaction was when he heard the news, Yearbook teacher Mr. Tranberg said, “At first I was in disbelief. I was out of town visiting family and I was being flooded with messages and phone calls… The students lost the physical space of the art building. To many students, the arts building is a safe place, a refuge.” He added, “Students lost everything they [had] created [last] year.”
Ceramics teacher Mrs. Summerville recalled her first reaction as well: “I was worried that someone was hurt and that it would spread to other buildings.” She spoke about how the transition hadn’t been easy. “I think we all feel lost and confused […] My routine has been thrown out the window—we are winging it daily.” Still, both she and other staff members have emphasized community support and the importance of keeping perspective and being there for one another. “We laugh daily about our situation,” she said. “We are all in this together—remind each other to be thankful no one was hurt.”
Despite the uncertainty, the art department has remained committed to the future. “This gives us an opportunity to rebuild better,” said Mr. Tranberg. “We had such a stellar program and facility that is insured. So, this gives us a chance to fix some of the things that could not otherwise be changed.” Mrs. Summerville added, “I know we will rebuild and be better than ever. Steve, Lauren and I are committed to creating a great art department. Admin and staff are behind that 100%.”
All in all, the D building fire left a lasting impact on all those at Pleasant Valley, but there is hope for and determination to build a better future. There is no doubt that the art department will continue to work hard until it returns, even better than it was before.
