Vandals set weight-room blaze at Van Buren High

5/2/2006

VAN BUREN, Ohio Vandals broke into the weight room at Van Buren High School and started a fire yesterday morning.

Hancock County sheriff s deputies and fire investigators are looking into the incident, which was discovered about 6 a.m. by school transportation employees.

Two concrete blocks were placed under a window to the weight room at the rear of the building where the intruders apparently entered, emptied a trash can onto the floor, unhooked the gas pipes to the heating units, sealed the window with plastic, turned on the gas, and lit a fire, officals said.

Damage was primarily smoke and soot-related. The weight room is expected to be closed for at least two weeks.