BROOKINGS – The Brookings Fire Department responded to a report of heavy smoke in several rooms in the Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory located on the campus of South Dakota State University last week.
The call came at 5:26 p.m. Thursday, Interim Fire Chief Pete Bolzer said.
“Immediate investigation into the source of the smoke was delayed until facility staff were consulted due to the biological level 3 laboratories located in this area of the building. Once biological safety was established, a lengthy search for the source of the smoke ensued,” Bolzer said.
“During the investigation, smoke was observed on the roof around the area where the exhaust stack from the animal cremation unit penetrated the roof. Fire department personnel began dismantling the area and found smoldering plywood, gypsum board and foam insulation. All burning materials were removed and cooled,” he said.
“Fire damage was confined to the immediate area of origin with no spread to any other part of the building. No injuries were reported. Fire units cleared the scene at 9:30 p.m.,” Bolzer said.
