Suspect sought after allegedly setting fire to Seventh Ward Elementary

DENAHM SPRINGS, Louisiana (WAFB) – Firefighters are searching for a suspect in allegedly setting fire to Seventh Ward Elementary School over Labor Day weekend.

Authorities said a fire damaged a temporary building at Seventh Ward Elementary School that housed a special education classroom and a school health clinic over Labor Day weekend.

Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 and Fire Protection District 5 responded to the fire. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes and the fire was completely extinguished within an hour. Damage was only to one structure.

Firefighters are searching for a suspect accused of setting fire at Seventh Ward Elementary School. — Firefighters are searching for a suspect who is believed to have set fire to Seventh Ward Elementary School over Labor Day weekend.(Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office)

Laura Dunlap, principal of Seventh Ward Elementary School, said the damage only affected the school's infirmary and a special education room where five students were being taught. She said classrooms and a temporary nurse's station had been created in the school's main building.

The Louisiana Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire and is asking the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with the incident.