Cause Of Lacey Middle School Fire Was A Heat Lamp In A Terrarium

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - The fire that closed the Lacey Middle School for two days this week probably started in a heat lamp in a terrarium in a classroom, Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.

Officers Scott Anderson and Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to the school on Denton Avenue in Forked River at 6:39 a.m. on April 24. Investigation revealed the blaze began in a second floor classroom.

"There was minimal fire damage," the chief said. "Most of the damage was water damage caused by the sprinkler system."

No students were present at the time of the fire. They were sent to Lacey Township High School, then dismissed early. The Middle School was also closed on Wednesday.

Middle School students will have to make up the missed day on June 21.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutterstock