South Street Seaport in Flames

BREAKING NEWS:  FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING LED TO SEAPORT FIRE

On July 14^th a three-alarm blaze broke out at South Street Seaport at around 4PM. Hundreds of tourists and visitors were enjoying their day.  Smoldering dark plumes of smoke hovered over Manhattan and could be seen across the river from Brooklyn!  Thirty-three fire units responded to the fire with about 140 firefighters. The flames were located under the thick timber planks which were hard to cut through. As if that wasn’t enough, the firefighters had to put out the flames in boiling temperatures from the fire and weather. Coach Jen and I could see the smoke from her apartment. We thought it was fog!

                Fire officials say the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring. The wires under the seaport were used to provide power for lights and vending machines. The fire turned enormous due to the extremely flammable wood planks. Besides, part of South Street Seaport was built in 1985.  Its age didn’t help either.

This fire could’ve been extremely dangerous. Good thing the brave firefighters hosed the flames in under two hours.

Now, if you have a fire in your house…

1.       Create an escape plan and possibly a Plan B

2.       If you are in a room with one door, check to see if there is a fire behind the door by

a.       Looking to see if there is smoke coming from cracks under (if there is, don’t open your door).

b.      Lightly touch the door if you don’t see smoke. If it is hot, don’t open the door.

c.       Briefly touch the doorknob. If it’s warm or hot, don’t open the door!

3.       If 2a-2c are negative, slowly open the door and crawl on your hands and knees. Remember to STAY LOW!

4.       Don’t bring favorite toys or stuffed animals with you when you exit. You need to be outside as quick as possible.

5.       Once outside, DO NOT GO BACK IN! Not even for a family pet!

6.       If you can’t get out the only door in your room, open your window and yell or call for help. DO NOT HIDE UNDER A BED OR CLOSET as this will make it incredibly harder for firefighters to find you!

7.       If you catch on fire, don’t panic. Like they teach you in pre-school, STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!!!

Hope you’ve enjoyed my report!  Signing off from River Edge NJ:  Summer Blogger/Reporter Nicholas Ng.