SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – The Summerville Police Department has arrested one student following two Wednesday morning fires at Summerville High School.
According to SPD, two separate fires were reported on the first and second floor of the building. A message sent out to parents indicated that at least one of the fires was in a restroom.
Capt. Chris Hirsch with the Summerville Police Department said a school resource officer reported the fire. Both fires were extinguished by school administrators.
Capt. Hirsch said both detectives and fire investigators are working to determine what caused the fire, but authorities believe that the fire started with a roll of toilet paper.
Based on the amount of damage inside the bathroom, officials began investigating the fires as an intentional act.
All students and staff were dismissed early due to heavy smoke. After the building was evacuated, students and staff were not allowed back in to retrieve belongings.
On Wednesday night, SPD announced that a student was arrested and charged with second degree arson. That student is being held at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center.
SPD believes that “additional arrests are likely,” and police are asking anyone with information to contact them at (843) 875-1650.
Editor’s note: This story is breaking and may be updated.