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8-foot python named Nanner blamed by officials for Virginia school fire; teacher says snake is innocent
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- A fire at Forest Middle School in Bedford County, Virginia, was reportedly started by an 8-foot python named Nanner, which escaped its tank and knocked over a heat lamp, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Life science teacher Brittany Jacobs, who owns the python, disputes the claim, stating the fire was accidental and that Nanner escaped only after the fire began due to intense heat.
- The blaze caused water damage to eight classrooms and resulted in the death of a tortoise; firefighters safely secured the python during their response.
- Jacobs, a teacher for 18 years with a background in veterinary studies specializing in reptiles, expressed devastation over the loss of her teaching materials and has since removed all animals from her classroom.
- The Forest Fire Department and Fire Marshal emphasized that the snake’s actions were unintentional, and no malicious intent was involved in starting the fire.
