Chillicothe, Ohio — A fire at Chillicothe City Schools on August 23, 2024, led to the evacuation of approximately 1,000 students and staff members. The incident began around 11:18 a.m. when a fire alarm was triggered after smoke and a burning smell were detected in the girls’ art restroom.
According to reports, a custodian managed to extinguish a fire that had started in a wall-mounted toilet paper dispenser. Firefighters arrived at the scene and used fans to clear the smoke. The evacuation proceeded without incident.
Video surveillance revealed that a student entered the restroom shortly before the fire started and was seen exiting moments before the alarm was activated. This student was later identified and questioned by school officials. During a search, a lighter was found in her possession, along with other items considered contraband. The lighter has been taken as evidence.
The student, who expressed that she used the lighter to manage anxiety, admitted to unintentionally causing the fire. Authorities have charged her with arson and inducing panic. She has been taken to the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) and will appear in Ross County Juvenile Court on August 26, 2024. Her parent has been notified of the court date.
The investigation is ongoing, and the fire department has cleared the scene.
