Thursday, February 26, 2015

FIRES AT UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS DURING EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ARE ON THE RISE.




FEBRUARY 25, 2015

BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS

A more serious fire in an art laboratory at Bridgewater State University’s Hunt Hall was averted Wednesday when a safety device used to contain sparks from a metalworking class did its job, authorities there said.

But while the safety fume hood acted as expected, the one-room lab sustained smoke damage and smoke was also escaping through the rooftop ventilation system of the two-story building, said Eva Gaffney, a university spokeswoman.
No structural damage was reported, nor any injuries, she said. Classes were relocated or cancelled.

The East Bridgewater Fire Department assisted in the response while West Bridgewater covered the main fire station, Bridgewater Fire Chief George Rogers said.

He said firefighters were on the scene for about an hour, but had knocked the fire back in about 15 minutes.

Rogers said the art laboratory is located on the ground floor in the rear of Hunt Hall.

A rooftop motor for the building’s ventilation system was destroyed, he said.
An investigation is underway, he said.

Gaffney said a restoration company was on site within 30 minutes and will work until the building can be reopened, potentially on Thursday.

The multi-purpose building that is a former elementary school is located two doors from the headquarters of the Bridgewater Fire Department.

It contains a large area for art classes, academic and administrative offices and general classrooms, officials said.

Source: http://www.enterprisenews.com