State police say juvenile boy admits Bandon school fire

On Saturday, August 28, 2019, at approximately  8 P.M. emergency personnel from the Bandon Police Department and Bandon Fire department were dispatched to a structure fire at Harbor Lights Middle School.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fire detectives from the Oregon State Police Arson Unit were requested to assist with the investigation.

A joint investigation was conducted involving the Oregon State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bandon Police Department, and Bandon Fire Department.  Members of the Harbor Lights Middle School cooperated with and assisted in the investigation.

The investigation revealed that two fires were intentionally set at the school on the evening of August 28.

Only one fire caused severe damage to the school but didn’t prohibit the school from continuing the following week.  The majority of the structural damage was in the boys locker room and damaged all of the football equipment.

A juvenile male, who attended the school, was identified and admitted to setting these fires.  The school was notified of the investigations results and is planning to take appropriate administrative actions.   The investigation will also be sent to the Coos County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges.