In the course of masonry rehabilitation work at the Elmont School District's Clara H. Carlson School, a small fire broke out in the evening of Thursday, Aug. 12.

Construction crew members had completed work for the day and secured the site before leaving at 6:45 p.m. At about 7:30 p.m., a night custodian noticed smoke in a classroom on the third floor and immediately turned in the alarm. The Elmont Fire Department responded promptly and extinguished the fire.

The fire is believed to have been sparked by residue from torch work on the outside of the rear of the building above the classroom window. Minor fire, smoke and water damage occurred, but because district staff and construction workers followed normal fire safety procedures, including closing all doors within the building, damage was contained to one classroom. There was no structural damage as a result of the fire.

Elmont Facilities Director Robert Geras reports that the district and the construction firm will closely review all safety protocols before resuming work. Immediately after the building was secured, district facility staff was on hand to begin cleaning the area. Geras assures the community that the masonry work will be completed on time and the school will be ready for children and staff when school opens on Sept. 9.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Palandra and several board of education members were at the site Thursday evening. On behalf of the board, Dr. Palandra wishes to thank the facilities staff for their prompt and effective action and the members of the volunteer fire department for their dedicated service.

Those involved in the incident whose service contained the fire to a minor one were honored at the Aug. 17 board of education meeting.

The summer mason project is part of the school district's ongoing capital program to maintain its facilities. The work at the 75-year-old Clara Carlson School will secure that the building is water tight.