Officials: North High fire was arson

A small fire in a bathroom at North High School on Tuesday was intentionally set, district officials say.

A paper towel dispenser in a second floor boys room was lit on fire about 9:30 a.m., according to Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein. Fire alarms went off and students were evacuated from the school. The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department responded and had the blaze out by 10 a.m.

Bernstein said the paper towel dispenser was mounted to a bathroom stall partition. "There was a lot of melted plastic which created a lot of smoke," he said. Smoke spread throughout the second and third floors.

All students were sent home at noon. Classes resumed on Wednesday.

Benrstein said district crews, along with an outside contractor, worked for about 10 hours to restore the building. He said a lot of cleaning was required and some hallways had to be painted as well.

The bathroom where the fire started suffered considerable damage, Bernstein said. It remained closed on Wednesday.

Bernstein said he has little doubt the fire is arson. The district, Nassau County Fire Marshall and Arson Squad are investigating.