A three-alarm fire broke out in Hall-Atwater laboratories on Sunday night, resulting in significant smoke, water and fire damage to the building. The specific cause of the fire and its effects on the building are still under investigation. The fire, which occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m., began in a chemistry laboratory in room 124 and then spread to the second floor of the building. 

Peter Lambert ’08 was working in a Hall-Atwater lab when he smelled smoke that appeared to originate from room 124. Another student who had been conducting research in room 124 had vacated the lab around 9:30 p.m.

“I heard popping, it sounded kind of like bubble wrap,” Lambert said. “I went out in the hallway and it was full of chemical smoke. I checked to make sure no one was in HASLab then I ran outside and called 911.” 

Sources on the scene reported seeing police cars with flashing lights blocking off Church Street and Lawn Avenue. More than ten fire trucks from Middletown’s three fire departments responded to the alarm, as well as at least two ambulances. Upon arrival, firefighters immediately surrounded the area around Hall-Atwater, searching the entire building and roof. The Middletown Eye blog reported that at least six research laboratories have been damaged or destroyed.

Public Safety officers reportedly arrived at the scene first, but due to the large size of the building and the possible extent of chemical exposure additional alarms were sounded. Officials were concerned about whether the building would incur additional damage by the fire reacting with chemicals, as the molecular biology, biochemistry, and chemistry departments are based in Hall-Atwater. 

Two Public Safety officers were treated at a hospital for exposure to smoke and chemical fumes and one Middletown Firefighter was treated for a chemical burn to his forearm. All three men have since been released. As of now, the number of students that were inside the building has not been determined, but one student was treated as a precaution for possible chemical exposure. 

According to Director of Media Relations David Pesci, the University followed all fire safety procedures. The Hartford Courant noted that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection assessed the building following the fire and concluded it was clear of chemical hazards. 

As of Monday evening, Public Safety reported that 66 percent of electrical services had been restored to Hall-Atwater and that Shanklin, which had been closed following the fire, would be reopened for classes on Tuesday. Classes originally scheduled in Hall-Atwater have been relocated until further notice. Director of Public Safety David Meyer noted that the specifics of the fire are still under investigation.  

A Public Safety advisory on Monday morning alerted the campus about the fire via text message and e-mail, followed by a recorded phone call from Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Whaley.