Arson Blamed for Fire at New York Elementary School

New York arson investigators have determined that a blaze at a Long Island elementary school was intentionally set.

Police say witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and saw several people running from the George Washington Elementary School at about 8:35 p.m. Monday.

Six departments and 100 firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The fire caused extensive smoke and water damage to portable classrooms next to the main building.

School officials posted a statement on the district website saying they were confident all students scheduled to attend classes next month will be accommodated.

During the fire, School Superintendent John Hogan became ill and was taken to a hospital. He was reported to be resting comfortably.