A teenage boy has been charged with allegedly setting fire to a school in the states west.
About 7.10pm yesterday (Monday 20 July 2026), emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a school in Dowell Street, Cowra.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire which was contained to an administration block at the school causing extensive damage. Smoke damage was also sustained to other buildings within the school grounds.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Officers from the Chifley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries police attended a home in Cowra about 10pm and arrested a 17-year-old boy where he was taken to Cowra Police Station.
It will be alleged the boy – a former student of the school – broken into the premises lighting the fire before filming the incident and uploading the footage to a social media platform.
He has been charged with damage property by fire/exp >$15000, commit 112(1) offence & disseminate and break & enter house etc destroy etc property >$60,000.
The teenager was refused bail to appear at a children’s court later today (Tuesday 21 July 2026).
The school will be closed for the day (Tuesday 21 July 2026).
