At 5:32 p.m. on July 21, the Maplewood Fire Department responded to the Garden Academy, located at 276 Parker Ave. on a report from a school administrator of smoke in the building.
Fire alarms activated at the same time the administrator was reporting the smoke condition. Maplewood Eng. 32,commanded by Capt. Kevin Hayes, arrived first on the scene within two minutes and reported a working fire with smoke and flames coming from a classroom window in the area of a window-mounted air conditioner.
As per protocol, fire units from Irvington, South Orange and Millburn Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene for assistance. Maplewood Deputy Chief Walter Nugent was in command upon his arrival.
As firefighters began an aggressive interior attack which enabled them to contain the fire to one room, others searched to confirm that all occupants were out of the building.
Fire damage was limited to classroom #3, with smoke and water damage inthe adjacent corridor and classrooms. Due to the quick response and aggressive fire attack, firefighters were successful in preventing the fire from getting into the ceiling area and running the length of the building.
The South Orange First Aid Squad provided EMS assistance at the scene, but fortunately no injuries were reported. Irvington, Orange and Union Fire Departments provided coverage for the rest of the town until all Maplewood units were back in service. The cause of the fire is presently under investigation by members of the Maplewood FD Fire Investigation Team.
