Fire prompts evacuation of Big Chief School and Camp in East Meadow, officials say

More than 150 children and counselors were safely evacuated from a late-morning fire at a summer camp in East Meadow on Wednesday, Nassau police and fire officials said.

The fire at the Big Chief School and Camp, near the intersection of North Jerusalem and Newbridge roads, was reported in a 911 call at 11:22 a.m. by a camp officials who said "the school's on fire," said Nassau County Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro.

An electrical malfunction started a fire in a closet in the camp's main building, when five children and five staff members were there, he said.

"I believe the lady who runs the facility smelled the smoke, touched the door and it was hot," Uttaro said.

She immediately ordered the evacuation of the 158 children at the camp and the counselors, he said, and they took refuge at the nearby St. Raphael Parish in East Meadow, the fire official said.

The camp official did a "great job" in getting children out without any injuries, Uttaro said, while about 80 firefighters from 10 departments worked hard to contain the blaze to the main building, where the rear half sustained the most damage. No firefighter injuries were reported, he said. Video from the scene showed smoke billowing from the roof.

The camp website said the school has operated since 1954 and that campers range in age from 3 to 12 years old.

During the blaze, Uttaro said he had spoken with authorities on scene: "I want to make it very clear all kids are evacuated and accounted for, the fire is under control, and police are now working on reunifying the children with their families."

On its Facebook page the camp said: "Today we had a fire at Big Chief. ALL the kids and staff are fine. However we need you to pick up your children at St Raphael's church in the back."

North Bellmore, the lead fire agency, got help from firefighters from six Nassau departments — East Meadow, Bellmore, Wantagh, Merrick, North Merrick and Levittown — as well as crews from Bellmore-Merrick Ambulance. Uttaro said the fire was brought under control by 12:15 p.m. Firefighters from North Massapequa and Seaford were on standby, Uttaro said.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com,ellen.yan@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”