Community Corner

Pool Closed: Burnt Motor, Burst Pipe

Early morning fire leads to closure of town pool.

The town swimming pool is closed until further notice. Repairmen are working on a damaged pump and water pipe in the basement of the .

The day started really early with some excitement for the custodial staff.

One worker who was opening the swimming pool for the day smelled smoke and noticed smoke coming from the pump room, then called 911.

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Volunteer firefighters and the fire marshals were on the way within minutes and one asked via radio if the chlorine was stored in that area (which would have caused a hazardous situation).

The custodian said the chlorine tablets were stored in a closet on the next level up (pool level) not near the pump room in the basement.

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First responders discovered an electric motor had shorted out and there was a small fire contained to the motor.

Much of the “smoke” was actually steam from a hot water pipe that burst during the incident.

Fire Marshal Tim Smith said the fire was isolated to the pump room and the power was quickly shut off.

Firefighters stayed and ventilated the building, and cleared the scene shortly after 6 a.m.

The Park and Rec web page http://www.orange-ct.info/park_recreation.htm will post when the pool reopens. 


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