Fire at Green Acres Mall

A fire at a construction site at the Green Acres Mall Monday night trapped three workers and forced the evacuation of the eastern section of the shopping complex.

No one was hurt and the three construction workers were safely rescued by Valley Stream firefighters.

The fire department got the call shortly before 6 p.m. and first arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming from Macy's East. First Assistant Chief John Beck and firefighters went inside and guided the three trapped workers to safety.

Chief Joseph Fernandez said the smoke was so thick, the workers were unable to find the exit. He said he cause of the fire was accidental and was likely touched off by welding work to remove an air conditioning unit. The fire was contained to the unit but Fernandez said burning insulation produced a lot of smoke.

The section under construction was part of the men's store Macy's East. A new store is being built, believed to be Kohl's. Fernandez said a second story is being added so the air conditioning units, which were attached to the roof, have to be removed.

Seventy firefighters responded and units were on scene for more than an hour. The Lynrbook, Elmont, Malverne, Hewlett and Woodmere fire departments assisted.

Fernandez said there was some water damage to Macy's East. The east end of the mall - between Old Navy and Macy's - was closed for about an hour.