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Python Starts School Fire, Eight Classrooms Damaged
14 Aug
Summary
- An escaped python caused a fire at a Virginia middle school.
- The snake knocked over a heat lamp, igniting a fire.
- Eight classrooms were damaged but school will start on time.
A fire that engulfed eight classrooms at Forest Middle School in Virginia was initiated when an eight-foot python escaped its enclosure. The reptile reportedly knocked over a heat lamp, leading to the blaze. Firefighters responded to the early morning alarm on Thursday, August 14th, and found the sprinkler system activated.
Crews safely contained the python and secured it until its owner arrived. The Bedford County Fire Marshal's Office determined the escaped snake was the cause. While the damaged classrooms will undergo repairs, school officials stated that the start of the academic year on August 19th will proceed as planned, with affected classes relocated within the school premises.
