Chemistry Building to reopen soon – in time for fall classes

Western Washington University officials anticipate that most of Western’s Karen W. Morse Hall (Chemistry Building), where a fire occurred on Aug. 25, will reopen soon, in time for the start of fall quarter classes on Sept. 24.

The fire, which was confined to a lab on the third floor of the Chemistry Building, led to an evacuation of the building. Sprinklers in the building put out the fire. No injuries have been reported.

The building has been closed for restoration since the fire, but university officials say work is progressing well and they expect cleanup and restoration for nearly all of the building to be completed within the next week. Building classrooms, offices and all labs but the one damaged in the fire are expected to be ready for the start of fall quarter.

Although the fire damage was confined to one lab, there was extensive water damage from the sprinklers to multiple floors, which entailed considerable cleanup and repair. Scientific and other equipment also was damaged, primarily by water. The Fire Marshal said the fire was caused by an accidental spill of flammable liquid.

The estimated cost of damage to the building is $1.6 million to $1.9 million, which includes cleanup, restoration and replacement of equipment and materials. The university will be seeking funding from a state emergency fund to help pay for the capital costs of the project. Non-capital costs will be funded from university reserves.

The university hired emergency recovery and restoration contractor Belfor for the project, and a crew from Belfor has worked closely with university personnel to clean up and repair damage to the building. Belfor’s work is expected to conclude next week, with university personnel completing final cleanup and repairs.

The Chemistry Department front office temporarily has been moved to College Hall 09, the Honors Center, and Chemistry Department faculty and student staff also were temporarily relocated on campus while the Chemistry building is being restored for occupancy. Student workers, who were displaced by the fire and restoration of the building, in some cases are continuing with paid, grant-funded work and in other instances students have been at work in other campus offices.

Counseling services are available to students and staff affected by the fire. For students, the Counseling Center is located in Old Main 540 and can be reached at 650-3164 during business hours. For faculty or staff, they may access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling (877)-313-4455.