A rooftop heating unit at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School malfunctioned early this morning, setting off a fire alarm that evacuated workers from the building and drew Riverhead volunteer firefighters to the scene to investigate.
“It came in [at 7:37 a.m.] as an automatic alarm but when we went inside the building there was an obvious smell of smoke,” Riverhead Fire Department Chief Kevin Brooks said. That prompted him to put out a general alarm, which drew the response of about 40 firefighters and four apparatus, including a ladder truck.
“We narrowed it down to a rooftop unit on the new addition,” Brooks said. “Something burnt up.”
The gas-powered heating unit on the roof served the kitchen area, the chief said.
The Riverhead fire marshal was able to clear the building for re-entry before the start of the school day, he said.
“It was a quick response — right across the street,” he joked. The school is located opposite Riverhead Fire Department headquarters.
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