Disastrous fire caused by kids

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

A fire that caused an estimated $35 million in damage and left dozens of people homeless in the remote Alaska community of Hooper Bay was sparked by children playing with matches, state authorities have determined.

No one was hurt in the Aug. 3 blaze in Hooper Bay, which started in the crawl space of the elementary school.

The children accused of starting the fire are all under 12 years old.

The children used stick matches to burn grass and garbage. The fire grew out of control, burning the adjacent high school, 14 homes, a community store and other structures.

About 65 people were left homeless and are now staying with relatives in the western Alaska community of 1,100, reports the Anchorage Daily News

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