Lang
9/1/23
The Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories on the University of Iowa campus has experienced a second fire in as many days.
The most recent blaze was reported just before 11:00 Friday morning, as Hawkalerts were sent to the UI community. A final Hawkalert just before 11:30 indicated the situation had been stabilized and normal activity near the intersection of Madison and Market Streets could resume.
Multiple fire departments responded to another fire at the Advanced Technology Labs the previous day just after 1:00pm. The departments included Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty.
Upon firefighters’ arrival, those evacuating the premises 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.
Investigators say the Thursday 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.
An investigation into the source of both fires is ongoing. Damage estimates are not yet available.