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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Smoke alarm triggers evacuation at Statue of Liberty

An automatic smoke/fire alarm was activated within the base of the Statue of Liberty at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. Visitors within the museum, pedestal and the Statue were evacuated by U.S. Park Police and National Park Service personnel within five minutes of the alarm sounding. No injuries were reported as a result of the evacuation.   


A small amount of smoke and the odor of oil as well as the odor of an overheated component was noticed by the USPP officers who initially investigated the alarm, which originated in the elevator room at the Statue of Liberty.   


Members of the New York Fire Department arrived at the Liberty Island shortly thereafter, but by the time they arrived, the small amount of smoke had dissipated. Lack of smoke upon his arrival at the elevator room, prompted the park’s chief of maintenance to suspect a faulty smoke head and he ordered it replaced. Once the investigation was finished and the alarm system was reset, the monument was re-opened to the public at approximately 2:35 p.m. 


The remainder of Liberty Island, including the visitor center, restaurant and gift shop, remained open to the public throughout the incident. 


FDNY responded to smoke at the Statue of Liberty caused by an overheated elevator motor on July 16. The elevator at the Statue has been removed from service at this time.
 

About Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island
Located on a 12-acre island in New York Harbor, the Statue, Liberty Enlightening the World, was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986. 


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