Fire at Glen Meadow prompts evacuation

By Daniel Fitzsimmons

VERNON — Glen Meadow Middle School was evacuated on Monday after an oven in the cafeteria caught fire.
Vernon Township School District Superintendent John Alfieri said the cause of the fire is unknown but that the oven will be replaced.
Alfieri ordered a full health inspection but confirmed classes resumed Tuesday. Members of the Vernon Township Fire Department sprayed the cafeteria with fire extinguishers.
"We sent the kids home because the fire department was a little bit concerned of the chemicals in the air and I didn't want to take any chances," said Alfieri.
In a statement released to Glen Meadow parents on the district's website, Alfieri said that at no time were the students in harm's way. The letter went on to say that according to the NJ Department of Education, the day would not have to be made up as the students were in school for the required amount of time.
The oven was baking potatos when the fire occurred at around 11:20 a.m.
This story was first reported on www.advertisernewsnorth.com.