NewsWest 9
MIDLAND - Midland Police now know exactly which students are at fault for starting a fire at Midland High School on Friday morning.
Midland Police say they have identified three students as suspects. Once located, two juveniles, a boy and girl, and a woman will be charged with Arson. Officials believe the three set fire to interior holiday decorations inside a hallway at the school.
The fire started around 9:15 a.m. near the band and orchestra halls. Students were evacuated from the campus while fire fighters put out the fire. A teacher was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. He has been treated and released. No other injuries were reported.
According to MISD Communications Director Woodrow Bailey, "There was no significant structural damage, but there was a lot of smoke damage so right now they are in the process of ventilating the affected part of the building, in the auditorium and band hall where there was heavy smoke. Most of the campus was not affected so the classrooms are okay."
Midland Police also say that Midland High School staff will be issued a citation for a fire code violation. Police say the school had highly combustible material used as Halloween decorations.
Students returned to class around 10:30 a.m. and classes continued.
