Engadine Montessori director fought grass fire at childcare centre
A heroic preschool director came to the rescue when a grass fire broke out behind a childcare centre in Sydney’s south.
St George Shire Standard
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A preschool director had to contain a grass fire with a fire extinguisher while children played metres away in Sydney’s south.
At 4.45pm on Thursday staff at Engadine Montessori Academy were alerted to children playing with matches before they discovered a small fire growing rapidly behind the centre.
In an email seen by the St George Shire Standard, parents were told one of the academy’s “superhero” area managers “sprung into action, retrieved a fire extinguisher and had put out the majority of the fire by the time authorities arrived”.
NSW Fire and Rescue arrived at the centre within three minutes and extinguished the last of the fire.
“We understand that arriving to emergency services on the premises can be a little concerning to parents, but can assure you that all actions were taken to keep our Montessori family safe,” the email stated.
Witnesses said smoke was billowing out from the scene, causing neighbours immediate concern.
A NSW Police spokeswoman said police were aware of the incident and inquiries were continuing.
The Rural Fire Service indicated penalties for fires that escape, cause damage or destroy life, property or the environment can attract a maximum fine of $132,000 or 14 years’ imprisonment.