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Investigators: Fire At Leon High School Was Arson

Leon High Students Sent Home Early due to Fire
Posted at 2:27 PM, Feb 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-02 13:27:30-05

TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Investigators have ruled the fire that started in a third floor storage room at Leon High School on Monday was intentionally set.

Fire investigators are working with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to identify the person who started the fire.

According to school officials, students were evacuated from the campus around 10 a.m Monday.

Tallahassee Firefighters were called out to the school and say they were able to immediately put out the blaze.

Students were sent home early and classes were canceled for Tuesday. All after-school activities were also canceled for both days, with the exception of a basketball game.

School officials said that the school will be open on Wednesday.

Three classrooms were damaged and officials said they required repair before students would be allowed to return to the school.

That same morning, Leon County Sheriff's Deputies say they arrested a 14-year-old student for having a gun in his backpack.

Authorities with the Sheriff's Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office say the arrest and the fire appear to be unrelated but that investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to call the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention Arson Tip Line at 1-877-NOARSON (1-877-662-7766).

Students, teachers, and community members can elect to remain anonymous if they wish. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that results in an arrest and conviction.