This morning (Dec. 21), University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police Department was notified of a fire alarm at Baker Hall, an on-campus residence for undergraduate students.
Upon University police officers’ arrival, they began to check the building and observed black smoke coming from a third floor window in the rear of the building in the courtyard area. Also, residents were already evacuating the building, according to ULPD Sergeant Billy Abrams.
The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to a data equipment closet on the third floor.
"The sprinkler system in the data equipment room was activated prior to the fire department arriving. The data equipment room, as well as to some of the rooms below the third floor room, have water damage," he said.
No injuries were reported and everyone was evacuated safely, according to Abrams.
"University officials are assessing needs for relocation of any residents, are ensuring the safety of the building, and are planning for repairs and cleanup," said Abrams.
"Water damage to the data equipment room affected phone and data service to the third and fourth floors of Baker Hall. The extent of the damages are being evaluated for determination how long those services will be affected. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
If students, who reside in Baker Hall, have questions, they can contact the CA on call at 337-281-3439.