Virginia teacher and firefighters feud over whether a python started schoolhouse fire
A fire damaged a middle school classroom in Virginia, killing a tortoise. Authorities blamed a python, but the teacher disputes this. The snake's owner says the fire was not caused by the snake.
Reported by 2 outlets — NBC News, The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
Firefighters battling a blaze at a Bedford County, Virginia, middle school encountered more than just smoke. Hiding underneath a desk in a classroom was an 8-foot python that fire officials now say started the inferno. But a life science teacher who took ownership of the snake, named Nanner, has hit back at those claims, saying the fire was an accident and was not hers or anyone else’s fault. “I am devastated for many reasons right now — all of my teaching tools are now gone, many children will now not have the opportunities that many others have had, 18 years of teaching material is gone,” Brittany Jacobs said in a Facebook post.
Read the full report at NBC News ↗
Why it matters
A fire happened at a middle school in Virginia. The fire damaged a classroom and killed a tortoise. A teacher says a python did not start the fire.
- What's the story?
- A fire damaged a middle school classroom in Virginia, killing a tortoise. Authorities blamed a python, but the teacher disputes this. The snake's owner says the fire was not caused by the snake.
- How widely is it covered?
- 2 outlets, average source rating 8.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 8m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card2 outlets1CoverageScouting report
8-foot python named Nanner blamed by officials for Virginia school fire; teacher says snake is innocent
Sources2TypeCoverageNBC News
The Guardian US