VIDEO: A historic elementary school in Washington County that was built in the early 1900s was nearly destroyed by flames on Saturday night. Officials say a portion will have to be completely torn down. Investigators believe this could be arson. Emergency crews spend hours battling flames at abandoned schoolhouse in Washington County “It just looked like a ball of fire,” said Frances Wolfe. Wolfe was babysitting on Saturday evening when officers came banging on the door telling her to get out. When she came outside, she saw the old Granville Elementary School engulfed in flames and smoke billowing from the windows. “We got evacuated at 6:30 p.m. and I know they didn’t leave here until almost 11 p.m. and then they were back yesterday,” Wolfe said. Eight fire departments worked for several hours to battle the fire before getting the flames out.