Two Bear Creek High School students have been arrested in connection with a fire that closed the school.
Investigators from Lakewood Police and West Metro Fire said two 15-year-old Lakewood boys started the fire in the school’s small gym just before noon Tuesday.
The blaze caused extensive smoke damage throughout the school, said Jefferson County School District spokesperson Lynn Setzer.
Bear Creek has been closed and administrators hope to reopen it on Tuesday.
West Metro Fire spokesperson Cindy Matthews said one boy was arrested last night, and the other this morning.
“Students charged with a felony receive an automatic suspension,” Setzer said.
They face charges including first- and second-degree arson which could lead to up to two years in a juvenile corrections facility.
Scott Storey, district attorney in Jefferson County, said one of the boys was taken to Mount View Youth Services Center and one to the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center.
