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