Students Dismissed After Fire At Danvers High School

DANVERS (CBS) – Students were dismissed for the day on Wednesday following a fire at Danvers High School that the school says was intentionally set.

The fire broke out in a third floor men's bathroom in the school, forcing all students to be evacuated.

Danvers Police said that school was then dismissed for the day "out of an abundance of caution" after the sprinklers went off and flooded the area.

In a statement, the district said the fire was intentionally set.

"The Danvers Fire and Police Departments have determined it to be an act of vandalism. School was dismissed mid-morning. We want to thank everyone for their cooperation," the district said.

Afternoon and evening activities will take place as scheduled, and the high school will reopen Thursday morning.

A 15-year-old student has been identified as the person who started the fire. Criminal charges are pending.

The Danvers Police Department said the fire caused thousands of dollars in damage.