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Breaking News

Newark Airport Back Open After Fire

Aired September 10, 2001 - 14:05   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to another look at that fire in the Newark Airport in New Jersey that has caused many flights to be stopped for the moment. If you noticed, it looks like the smoke is a tad lessened from the significant smoke that this fire was generating just a short while ago.

So let's talk with Steve Coleman. He's spokesman for the port authority. He can tell us the latest.

Steve, what can you tell us about this fire, how it's affecting flights, and are they getting a handle on it?

STEVE COLEMAN: Right. Well, the good news I can tell is that as of 2:00, a few minutes ago, we were able to reopen the airport. I started about 1:23 this afternoon in the new administration building that the Port Authority is building at Newark Airport.

At this point, we do not what caused it. And as a result of the firefighting equipment that had to respond to that, we were forced to close the airport.

ALLEN: So all flights back on schedule now, even though they've been delayed somewhat?

COLEMAN: Yes, well, it will probably take some time before we can get all the flights back on schedule. But the good news is the airport is open now, so that we can start getting flights, you know, back off the ground.

ALLEN: Do you know how much time elapsed? How much will people perhaps be delayed from this today?

COLEMAN: Well, the airport was closed for approximately 35 minutes, so, and typically, this is the slow time of day. So during this period, there shouldn't be too many flights that are delayed. But obviously, with Newark being one of the busiest airports in the country, it's going to take some time to get back on schedule.

ALLEN: So the concern was what?

COLEMAN: The concern was the firefighting equipment that had to respond to the fire, you know, and the safety factors involved.

ALLEN: All right. So the firefighting equipment that might have been used in other areas was having to fight this fire.

COLEMAN: Exactly.

ALLEN: I got you.

COLEMAN: OK, Steve Coleman, we thank you, especially for the news that the airport is back up and running, and folks will be glad to hear about that.

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