Heater blamed for fire
at Pine Street Elementary
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A heating unit in a classroom was the cause of a fire Tuesday morning at Pine Street Elementary School.
A FIRE AT PINE STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was reported shortly before noon on Tuesday. An employee was able to put the fire out using a fire extinguisher. 
The fire was limited to a heater system in one of the classrooms. Presque Isle firefighters ventilated the room and hallway. Classes resumed later in the day. Here, emergency personnel make their way to the area where the fire took place.
“We received the call around 11:52 a.m. Three trucks, our full-time crew and a few volunteers responded to the report of a fire at Pine Street Elementary School. Upon arrival, we found the fire extinguished and everyone was out of the building,” said Deputy Chief Adam Rider, Presque Isle Fire Department.
Rider said the fire was extinguished by the fast actions of one of the school employees.
“Firefighters arrived within three minutes of receiving the call. We found April Sarasin, using a fire extinguisher, was able to put out the fire prior to our arrival. It occurred in a classroom and was caused by a seized heater motor,” Rider said.
Firefighters ventilated the area to clear the classroom and hallway of smoke.
“The classroom sustained minor smoke damage. April’s quick actions prevented it from being worse,” said Rider.
No injuries were reported. Assistance was provided by Crown Ambulance, Fire Chief Darrell White, Police Chief Matt Irwin, and PIPD Officers Kevin Reed and Brian McQuarrie.
“We were clear of the scene by 12:26 p.m,” said Rider, noting classes resumed once it was determined the building was safe.
