Cops: Hempfield student using vaping device accidentally set fire

A Hempfield Area High School student admitted she was clandestinely using a vaping device in a bathroom stall Jan. 15 when she accidentally ignited papers in a garbage can, causing the school to be evacuated, according to a state police fire marshal.

The student, Diamond J. Johnston, 18, was charged Wednesday with failing to report a fire, reckless endangerment, institutional vandalism, dangerous burning, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct by state police fire marshal Trooper Chet Bell. The complaints were filed before Hempfield District Judge Mark Mansour.

According to court records, the high school was evacuated about 2:20 p.m. after the fire set off alarms in a second floor bathroom. Multiple fire departments were dispatched and the fire was discovered in a metal garbage can inside a bathroom stall in the women’s room.

Bell reported school staff doused the blaze using water from a nearby sink. Little damage was reported.

Court documents said Johnston was observed on video surveillance entering the bathroom immediately before the fire and then leaving about three minutes before the fire alarm sounded.

Bell said Johnston initially told police she was “walking the halls” while skipping a physical education class and went to use the bathroom. When she entered, she told Bell, she saw the smoke and fire and was headed to report it to school officials when the alarm sounded.

In a second interview this week, Bell reported Johnston admitted she was filling a vaping device “when an ignition of fuel and/or paper towel occurred.”

“She placed the items into the metal receptacle, obtained a wet paper towel to put in the receptacle. She departed the scene to contact a principal,” Bell wrote.

“At no time did the accused give prompt fire alarm knowing a fire existed and the school was occupied,” Bell wrote.

Johnston could not be reached for comment and an attorney was not listed for her in court dockets.

Hempfield Superintendent Tammy Wolicki confirmed that Johnston is also facing school disciplinary action, but said she couldn’t disclose the specific penalty becuase of student privacy rules.

Under the Hempfield student handbook published on-line, setting a fire at school is considered a “Level IV” offense , which is listed among the most serious acts of student misconduct. The handbook says the school-administered discipline could potentially range from out-of-school suspension to expulsion and ordering restitution for any damages.

The complaint was mailed via summons. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled March 6.