https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news ... 802242001/15 y.o. Niceville students charged with arson after starting school fire as 'joke'
Two students at Niceville High School are facing arson charges after allegedly setting a fire inside a girls’ restroom Tuesday, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
The fire was extinguished quickly with no reported injuries, but the blaze prompted a school evacuation and caused approximately $2,500 in damage.
The suspects, both 15-year-old girls who attended the school, have been arrested by the OCSO on charges of arson, a first degree felony, and disruption of a school function.
More:Niceville High School students evacuated after fire set in restroom
The school resource officer located the fire and immediately began putting it out, an OCSO new release said. Once the fire department deemed it safe, students were allowed back into their classrooms.
The two potential suspects were identified quickly through numerous tips, including Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, the release said. They ultimately admitted using a lighter to ignite a large roll of toilet paper inside a stall as a “joke.” The fire quickly grew out of control.
Video surveillance shows the pair leaving the bathroom together around 9 a.m. and returning about seven minutes later to open the door. Footage shows that smoke can be seen coming out of the restroom and that the suspects immediately left the area.
One of the juveniles, in addition to arson and disruption of a school function, is also charged with violation of probation for an original charge of grand theft auto.
Niceville is 4970 miles from Nice
