South Jersey school closed through Monday after fire, district says

Lindenwold School 4 in Camden County, New Jersey, will be closed through Monday after a fire Tuesday night, the school district announced.

The fire began on the roof of the school on Gibbsboro Road while contractors were working on the roof and air conditioning units, the Lindenwold Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

Police officers who arrived at the scene found smoke inside the school and evacuated the workers and staff still in the building.

The blaze was contained quickly and determined to be accidental, the fire department said.

"At the time of the incident, members of our evening facilities crew and a construction crew were on site," Lindenwold School District said in a post in part. "We are very grateful that everyone is safe."

The district said students will have remote learning from Thursday, Sept. 17, through Monday, Sept. 21. 

Families can pick up Chromebooks on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the School 4 Bus Loop. Only approved contacts in RealTime can pick up computers, and ID will be required.

Families can pick up five days of meals on Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lindenwold School District said it will provide updates to families and students once more information is available or if the school will need to be closed longer. 

Restoration crews were working at the school on Wednesday, and a "welcome back" sign was still on the lawn.

"I was finally just starting to get things done around the house now again that the kids were back in school, and yeah it's going to be tough," said Greg Liaschenko, whose son is in third grade.

"She was upset because she loves school, so yeah, that was unfortunate for her," said Evelise Sanchez, whose daughter is also in third grade.

A make-up school day is scheduled for Oct. 12.

No one was injured in the fire.