Schools

Defective Fan Set Off Fire Alarm at Commack School

An overheated motor from a heating fan led fire alarms to go off at Burr Intermediate School.

Students at Burr Intermediate School in Commack were evacuated from the building Thursday after a fire alarm went off unexpectedly due to a defective fan belt, Principal Rhonda Pratt said in a notice to commuty members.

The alarm sounded at approximately 1:20 p.m. after a fan within the building's rooftop heating unit malfunctioned. Pratt said that the rubber belt started to smoke as the motor overheated, causing the alarms to go off.

She said that students and staff were immediately evacuated the building and the Commack Fire Department quickly responded. 

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"I commend the staff, students and fire department for their quick response and attention to our building safety drill procedures," she said.

Students and staff were able to re-enter the building at 1:50 p.m.

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