A fire took place Friday afternoon at the University of Tennessee in the Dougherty Engineering Building. There were no injuries. The fire began in an automotive lab on the ground floor of the building’s east side.
The professor conducting research in the lab, along with a lab technician, attempted to put out the fire using the extinguisher on hand, but were unable to do so. The Knoxville Fire Department responded quickly to the fire alarm. The fire was contained within 30 minutes. There is extensive damage on the two floors directly affected by the fire, as well as smoke and water damage in other parts of the building.
All classrooms, laboratories, and offices in the building will be closed next week–an already shortened week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Faculty and staff assigned to work in the building and holding a regular appointment will be on paid administrative leave on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. Further information about work assignments and all other activities will be announced next week. Further updates regarding the building status will also be announced next week.
UT Police will organize retrievals of personal belongings for those who work or study in the building between noon and 5:00 pm. To make arrangements for an escort into the building call 974-3114.
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Contact: Tom Milligan (865-974-9438)