By:Jerry Burke
According to school officials, the fire began in a third-floor classroom where construction workers had been doing masonry rehabilitation work. A preliminary investigation by Nassau County fire official determined that the fire began when a spark from a molder's torch began to smolder in the window frames. The work was being done outside the rear of the building, just above one of the classroom's windows.
Elmont Schools spokeswoman Maureen Traxler said that the work crews had completed their work and left for the day at 6:45 p.m., securing the site by closing all windows and doors. At about 7:30 p.m., however, night custodian Oscar Perez noticed smoke coming out of the classroom and called in the alarm. The Elmont Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and put the fire out within minutes.
Traxler noted that because the crew followed normal safety procedures, including closing all doors in the building once they were finished working, damage was contained to just the classroom. While there was no structural damage to the building, there was some minor fire, smoke and water damage.
The fire, Traxler said, will not affect the re-opening of the school, set for Thursday, Sept. 9.
Elmont Facilities Director Robert Geras said that once the area was secured, the facility staff immediately began the cleanup. Geras assured the community that the masonry work, part of the district's ongoing program to maintain the 75-year-old building, would be completed before the opening of the school. The work will ensure that the building is watertight for the upcoming school year.
Superintendent Dr. Maria Palandra and several board members were at the scene of the fire Thursday night, and expressed relief that the fire was not as bad as it could have been. "I have to thank the facilities staff for their prompt and effective action," said Palandra, "and the members of the volunteer fire department for their dedicated service."
The Board of Education saluted the "hometown heroes" at its Tuesday night meeting.
