Lightning sparks fire at a Hempstead elementary school

<p>In video obtained by News 12, you can see flames coming from the top of the Prospect School on Peninsula Boulevard.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 8, 2018, 9:44 AM

Updated 2,087 days ago

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Lightning was to blame for a school fire in Hempstead Tuesday night and officials are worried it may not be open in time for the start of the school year. 
In video obtained by News 12, you can see flames coming from the top of the Prospect School on Peninsula Boulevard.
Damage and debris filled classrooms and hallways and News 12 has been told water then seeped down to the first floor and basement, causing significant damage.
Crews are now hard at work to try and get the school ready for the first day of the upcoming school year, which is only 4 weeks away. School officials say a restoration company is removing ceiling tiles and moving chairs and tables into the multipurpose room. Air quality testing will be conducted once the cleanup is done.
The superintendent says it's possible that the school may not be ready by Sept. 5. Officials are looking into an alternate site to hold classes.
Tammie Williams' 4-year-old grandson is starting kindergarten in September and is concerned it won’t be open in time.
“I'm concerned. I just hope that they fix it and not do a quick fix because there are a lot of kids and we have to keep our kids safe,” said Williams.


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