The Iowa City Fire Department responded to a fire at the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL), 205 North Madison St, on Thursday, Aug. 31.

First responders were dispatched to the location at 1:07 p.m. after University of Iowa Emergency Communications received a fire alarm activation.

The University of Iowa Police Department (UIPD), UI Fire Safety, and the Iowa City Fire Department (ICFD) were dispatched to the building. Upon arrival, those evacuating the building directed first responders to the southwest side of the building, where they observed smoke coming out of the stainless-steel wall panels.

Fire crews removed steel wall panels and construction materials in the affected area and bordering areas to check for fire extension and extinguished any burning materials. The scene was stabilized by 2 p.m. and fire crews officially cleared the scene at 2:13 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Occupants were allowed back inside the building once the fire was extinguished, and the damage is not expected to impact day-to-day operations. An investigation into the source of the fire is ongoing. A damage estimate is not yet available.

The incident was reported in a timely manner thanks to the vigilance of a staff member working in the building who smelled burning wood. Upon further investigation, the staff member discovered smoke coming from behind the steel panels outside the building, re-entered the building, and activated a manual pull station.

Campus Safety was assisted by the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center, Iowa City Fire Department, Coralville Fire Department, North Liberty Fire Department, Johnson County Ambulance Service, UI Facilities Management, and UI Parking and Transportation.

Contact

Hayley Bruce, Public Information Officer, 319-384-0072