On April 21, a smoke detector reported smoke in a Fields and Schoenfeldt Hall basement laundry room, according to Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Michael McNerney. Portland Fire and Rescue quickly responded to the scene, but ultimately, no fire was identified, according to a post they made on X.
Portland Fire was able to clear the smoke, which was isolated to the laundry room. No students were reportedly injured, according to McNerney.
“[The responders] were able to realize pretty quickly that it wasn’t a major event and get the smoke under control,” Environmental Health and Safety Officer Sarah Schmits said.
The smoke came from an overloaded washing machine, according to McNerney.
According to Schmits, students successfully evacuated Fields and Schoenfeldt Hall to the Beauchamp Recreation Center after the smoke triggered fire alarms.
Responders shut off three units, a washer and two dryers, because of the smoke. The three units will be up and running by midweek, according to an email from the Office of Residence Life.
Camille Kuroiwa-Lewis is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at kuroiwal26@up.edu.
Kalena O’Connell contributed to this story. She can be reached at oconnell27@up.edu.
