Long Island School Burns; Boiler Room Eyed

February 22, 2010

An overnight fire ravaged a Long Island elementary school last week.

West Babylon Fire Chief Jim Campbell said Friday it appeared the fire started in the boiler room at South Bay Elementary School. He said two of the school’s three wings were destroyed.

The school has about 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It was closed for winter break.

It’s not clear where the kids will attend school on Monday.

A volunteer firefighter, Christine Manzi, also teaches at Santapogue Elementary School in West Babylon. She said there will be a “big adjustment” for children and adults alike.

Manzi said the classroom is a teacher’s “world,” and contains things that can’t be replaced.