HELENA — A suspected arson fire at Helena High School damaged at least five classrooms in a math wing and led to the cancellation of classes Tuesday and Wednesday.
Police say three 13-year-olds who were found in the school Monday were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and arson.
Officers were searching for a missing juvenile who had been seen near the school at about 10 p.m. Monday when they spotted a girl in the building. Officers detained another juvenile outside and then saw smoke and heard the building’s fire alarms.
Assistant Superintendent Greg Upham tells the Independent Record that some classes will be moved to other parts of the school or surrounding buildings when instruction resumes later this week.
Fire officials are investigating how the blaze started. The cost of the damage has not been determined. Fire Marshal Craig Trapp says the building did not sustain any structural damage.