Forest Middle School python fire damages eight classrooms
An escaped 8-foot python knocked over a heat lamp, investigators said, sparking a fire before classes begin Aug. 19.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
The Forest Middle School python fire was accidental, the Bedford County Fire Marshal’s Office found: an escaped 8-foot snake knocked over a heat lamp inside a classroom, starting an overnight blaze on Aug. 13 in Bedford County, Virginia.
The fire alarm reached Bedford 911 at 12:31 a.m., and Forest Fire Department crews arrived at 12:45 a.m., according to WSLS 10. Firefighters found water coming from the second floor, visible fire upstairs and smoke at second-floor windows.
Crews encountered the python while entering the classroom where the fire was burning, the Forest Fire Department said. They secured the snake in a temporary enclosure, put out the fire and later shut down the activated sprinkler system.
Watch WSLS 10’s report, which includes exterior footage and a narrated account of the emergency response. The available report does not show the fire beginning or the snake.
What happened to Forest Middle School after the python fire?
Smoke and sprinkler water damaged eight classrooms in the school’s east wing, Bedford County Public Schools said. Cleanup and repairs were underway, and those rooms will be closed temporarily.
Students are still scheduled to begin the school year on Aug. 19. The school division said it will assign alternate spaces elsewhere in the building for affected classes if needed.
No human injuries were reported, according to WSLS 10 and UPI. Separately, WDBJ reported that Bedford County confirmed a tortoise died in the fire.
Officials have not publicly identified the python’s species, its owner or why it was kept at the school. The fire marshal’s office handled the investigation and determined the blaze was accidental.
This story draws on original reporting from UPI.