8-Foot Python Tied to Virginia School Fire, but Teacher Denies Blame
TL;DR
Firefighters battled a second‑floor blaze at Forest Middle School in Bedford County, Virginia, and found an 8‑foot python in a classroom; officials say the snake escaped its tank, knocked over a heat lamp, and contributed to the fire, while the owner/teacher insists the incident was accidental and not the snake’s fault. A tortoise was killed and eight classrooms suffered water damage as crews neutralized the flames and shut off the sprinkler system.
- 8-foot python named Nanner blamed by officials for Virginia school fire; teacher says snake is innocent NBC News
- Virginia teacher and firefighters feud over whether a python started schoolhouse fire The Guardian
- Most classrooms expected to be ready Wednesday following Forest Middle School fire WSET
- Snake reportedly starts fire at Virginia middle school: How it happened WXII
- Teacher Disputes Claim That Snake Caused Classroom Fire Newser
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