Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Grand Haven High School will remain closed Friday, Oct. 9, following an intentionally set fire in a second-floor bathroom that prompted a morning evacuation and early dismissal Thursday.
Nick Vlietstra is a teacher at the high school and WGHN’s play by play announcer:
District officials said cleaning and restoration crews will spend Friday and the weekend assessing and treating smoke and soot damage throughout the building. The school is expected to reopen Monday, Oct. 12, as scheduled.
The incident began shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday when smoke started filling the school. Students and staff were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported:
Firefighters from the Grand Haven Fire Department and deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Working with school administrators, the school resource officer determined that the fire had been intentionally set.
The fire caused significant damage to the bathroom’s walls and ceiling. A 16-year-old student was identified as a suspect, interviewed and released to their parents. Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities said additional details will not be released at this time. Charges will be submitted to the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Classes were canceled for the remainder of Thursday as school officials coordinated an orderly dismissal. Once the building was deemed safe, students were briefly allowed to retrieve their belongings before buses and parent pickup cleared the campus. District officials said the direct fire damage was contained to the bathroom, while internal fire doors helped prevent the flames from spreading. However, smoke and soot affected a much larger portion of the building and will require extensive cleaning and treatment.
Restoration crews will work throughout Friday and the weekend, including fogging affected areas to remove smoke-related contamination.
The portion of the school stretching from the main entrance rotunda south through the academic wing will remain closed to everyone except authorized personnel. Areas north of the cafeteria have been cleared for use.
Ottawa News Network reports that despite the closure, district officials said Thursday night’s scheduled athletic events and this weekend’s Homecoming dance will continue as planned. Access to the restricted academic wing will remain blocked during those events.
School administrators thanked students, families and staff for their patience and understanding, as well as first responders, custodial workers and restoration crews assisting with the cleanup.
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