Tech School suffers fire from chemical reaction

SPARTA — The Sussex County Technical High School closed for a few days, while investigators determined the cause of a fire and the damage was cleaned up. It occurred on Wednesday, March 14. First alerted by the fire alarm activated by smoke detectors, a janitor on site reported heavy smoke on the second floor. Sparta firemen arrived a little after 8:30 p.m. and discovered flames and thick smoke inside a biology and chemistry lab. They were able to quickly extinguish the fire and ventilate the classroom, but the room sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage. An adjoining classroom also suffered smoke and water damage. Investigators determined the fire was not suspicious. The flames started in a plastic 30-gallon garbage can and the investigators believe it was the result of a chemical reaction between two discarded substances in the trash receptacle. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. The New Jersey State Police Arson Unit, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sparta Detective Terrence Mulligan and Sussex County Fire Marshal Michael Alvarez are conducting the investigation. Fire Departments from Lafayette, and Hardyston Township along with the Sparta First Aid Squad, assisted at the scene.