Four Drake University students accused of setting off fireworks inside a campus house were charged with a serious misdemeanor.
Authorities said the Drake students were playing with bottle rockets inside a house at 3103 Forest Ave. A fire then broke out, causing $50,000 in damage.
Bogdan Budea, who lived at the house and three friends, Ryan Farnham, Sankesh Prabhakar and Jonathan Kretman, were all charged with reckless use of fire.
The home is now boarded up and charred belongings remain outside.
"When I came outside, the lower half was pretty much engulfed in flames," said Matt Pitlick, who lives next door. "It was a pretty big fire. It was a sight."
Investigators said it happened because four Drake University students were bored while inside the home.
Brian O'Keefe of the Des Moines Fire Department said the students were waiting to go out for the evening.
"They pulled out some bottle rockets, (and) started shooting them at each other. Then they left," he said.
Firefighters said the students left not knowing something was smoldering. Another student who lives there came home later with a friend.
"They smelled something, but didn't think anything of it. but a little later, there was smoke and it turned into a fire," O'Keefe said.
"Firefighters put it out really quickly. I was impressed. It drew a huge crowd. Forest Avenue was shut down," Pitlick said.
O'Keefe said playing with bottle rockets is like playing with danger. He said they shoot off a powerful open flame.
"It's very dangerous. They shoot and fly all over and you can't keep tabs on where they are," he said.
Authorities said Budea told police that he takes responsibility for what happened and said it was not his intention to burn the house down. NewsChannel 8 was not able to get in touch with him.
Drake officials are talking to the students about the fire.
There's no word if disciplinary action will be taken.
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