Woodmill High School fire: Teenage boy charged as firefighters battle ‘suspicious’ blaze in Scotland
‘We are all utterly devastated by what has happened,’ headteacher says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 14-year-old boy has been charged after a major fire broke out at a school.
“As a result of inquiries conducted by Dunfermline CID, a 14-year-old male was arrested,” a Fife Police spokesperson said.
The teenager will appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Tuesday 27 August.
More than 80 firefighters are fighting to contain the major blaze at Woodmill High School in Dunfermline.
Emergency services were called at 5pm on Sunday after flames broke out at the school.
The fire, described as “large and complex”, was still burning on Monday morning.
Several support vehicles, 15 fire engines and two height appliances are at the scene.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said fire crews had surrounded the flames by Monday morning.
“We have worked through the night in challenging conditions to contain this fire and prevent further spread within the building,” said deputy assistant chief Stuart Stevens.
“Through effective planning, we have now surrounded the fire and we are working to extinguish the flames.
“However this remains a large and complex incident and we will remain in attendance for some time.”
He added: “Our advice remains that members of the public should avoid the area to allow access for emergency service vehicles.”
There have been no reported casualties.
The fire is burning in the school’s main building, with crews working around the site’s edges to contain it.
The school, which is located about 20 miles northwest of Edinburgh, announced it would be closed to all students on Monday.
Pupils had returned for the autumn term on 21 August.
“We are all utterly devastated by what has happened to our school,” Sandy Mcintosh, the school’s headteacher, said on Twitter.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for all they have done to save our school.”
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments