Schoolboy admits to setting fire at school in Vantaa
Police estimate damage at up to EUR one million
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A 15-year-old boy has admitted to setting a fire which destroyed part of a school in the Itä-Hakkila district of Vantaa on Saturday night.
Police say that other boys were also on the scene when the fire broke out.
"It would almost seem that this was a case of playing with matches", said Juha Juurinen of the Vantaa police.
The fire caused up to EUR one million in damage, completely destroying the classrooms of the first and second grades.
"The children are very shocked. They feel bad to see the overhead projector of their class or their own desks in the rubble", said the school’s head teacher Riitta-Liisa Reinikainen on Monday.
"Some have made a connection in their minds between the fire and the hostage crisis at the school in North Ossetia", she added.
A staff meeting was held on Monday to discuss action to be taken after the crisis.
"It is the responsibility of adults to restore the children’s feeling of security. We must separate fantasy from fact: this was not a terrorist attack."
The school, which already suffered from a shortage of space, must now find new premises for six groups of pupils.
The Vantaa Education Department has set up a working group to seek a solution to the problem.
"This week the older pupils could have the younger pupils sit next to them at their desks. Next week we should be able to start in new premises", the head teacher said.
The fire enhanced a feeling of mutual solidarity among families in the area. The school’s administration held an emergency meeting already on Sunday. Many parents have offered their help, and even the use of their homes.
Riitta-Liisa Reinikainen also praised the positive attitude of the teachers.
"Black humour is helping us through the situation. Many have said that it is good that we did not get the chance to grow accustomed to more spacious surroundings."
The boy who admitted to setting the fire faces legal consequences, because he is over the age of 15. He could also be ordered to pay compensation for the damage caused by the fire, as well as the costs of temporary arrangements for teaching.
All of these costs will initially be paid out of insurance, but the insurance company will probably demand compensation from the boy.
The actual amount and the schedule of payment will depend on the perpetrator’s life situation and ability to pay.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 7.9.2004 - TODAY |
 Schoolboy admits to setting fire at school in Vantaa |
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