Published: April 30, 2008 05:07 pm            

Fire at BHS was arson

Student taken into custody

A Branford High School student was arrested after a fire broke out in a bathroom on the northeast corner of Building Five at the school Tuesday morning.

A call went out at approximately 11:50 a.m. with zone two and three along with Branford and Ranchette volunteers responding. An investigation revealed black smoke coming from an area where student bathrooms are located. It appeared a trash can containing paper was on fire, as well as a roll of industrial paper towels in a sink.

Fire units quickly extinguished the blaze but smoke and the smell of burned material remained long into the afternoon. Large exhaust fans were placed at each end of the hallway leading to the area of the blaze.

Surveillance cameras gave authorities a potential suspect, and when questioned the student admitted setting the fire, say authorities. He was arrested and transported to the Suwannee County Jail for booking by Sheriff Tony Cameron.

Soon after arriving at the scene Cameron told the News he suspected arson. "I've seen this type thing before and this will probably be treated as a crime scene," he said.

Fire Marshall John Young was called to the scene as was Paul Haas, fire investigator with Suwannee County Fire/Rescue.

According to Haas the fire damage was mostly localized. Smoke did the most damage, totaling a few thousand dollars.

The fire remains under investigation, and authorities say others may be involved.

        

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