UPDATE: Witnesses Say Kids Set Malverne Brush Fire

A brush fire in Malverne Oaks near the Long Island Rail Road train tracks Thursday afternoon delayed passengers traveling on the West Hempstead branch and caused minor damage.

Around 2 p.m. the Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene of the fire that broke out near the tracks that run behind homes on Sunapee Road.

Lakeview Fire Chief Heather Senti originally stated that sparks from a passing train jumped from the track and ignited a group of trees that ran close to one homeowner's property. However, she later said, "after further investigation and speaking with the neighbors who had called in the alarm, it was determined that juveniles walking along the tracks potentially set the fire."

The fire destroyed the trees and a fence that had separated their background from the tracks.

Senti said no was injured and the firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and as they awaited the arrival of the Nassau County Fire Marshal, they were called to to provide mutual aid.

Nassau County and MTA Police were also on the scene. The MTA also posted an alert on its Web site indicating that the fire would delay trains running on the West Hempstead branch.

As of 2:40 p.m. on Thursday a notice stated that the 2:12 p.m. West Hempstead train due in Valley Stream at 2:27 PM, was operating approximately 15 minutes late.

The County Police have rendered a case number for the incident and will continue to investigate.