GRAND HAVEN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Oct. 9, 2026) – It was 53 years ago this month when Ann Arbor-based band Brownsville Station came out with its biggest hit, “Smokin’ in the Boys Room.” On Thursday, something more serious than just lighting up where one shouldn’t became a reality at Grand Haven High School.
Students there were evacuated around 9 AM after smoke was seen coming from a second-floor restroom. A school resource officer, who was in the hallway at the time, responded by using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Two students were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and due to ventilation concerns, school officials opted to send the students home for the day after that. There was significant damage to the restroom, including the walls and ceilings, as a result of the fire.
About six hours later, that resource officer, along with school administrators, determined that the blaze was intentionally set, and an unnamed 16-year-old student was identified and interviewed before being turned over to parental control. The Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will determine what charges may be filed in this matter.
There will be no classes on Friday at Grand Haven High as the building undergoes cleaning and repairs, although the Buccaneers’ football game against visiting West Ottawa on Friday evening is slated to be played as scheduled, along with the Saturday homecoming dance.
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