Grand Forks School Fire Was Intentional

A fire at a Grand Forks elementary school is said to have been intentionally set.

According to a news release from the Grand Forks Police Department, the fire was reported at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Grand Forks. The fire was located in the library.

When firefighters arrived, it was learned custodial staff on site at the school had discovered a fire in the library and had extinguished the fire.  At the time of the fire there were students and staff in the building however the library was not occupied. 

A joint investigation by the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Police Department and North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire to have been intentionally set.

A 13-year-old Grand Forks male was taken into custody at approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday night and has been charged with arson and endangerment by fire.

The school was closed on Wednesday while clean-up work was being conducted.