Official Says Fire at Middle School in New Hampshire Was Set Intentionally

A fire at Portsmouth Middle School in New Hampshire early Saturday appears to have been intentionally set, an official said.

Firefighters arrived at the school after 3 a.m. and found flames coming out the front door of the main entrance foyer.

Fire Chief Todd Germain said fire was contained to the room where it started thanks to automatic fire sprinklers and the fire was quickly extinguished, The Portsmouth Herald reported.

Germain said officials found accelerants and other evidence of arson. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, officials said.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is helping with the investigation.