WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Updated, Sept. 21: About 31 firefighters from various stations were called to the fire, said Keith Saunders, Gainesville Fire Rescue acting district chief.
They began aggressively attacking the fire and were able to put it out. Investigators have yet to determine the fire’s cause.
The Internet and fire alarm communications system, which allow correspondence with UFPD, remain down.
Sharon Blansett, Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, said officers are actively listening and watching for fire alarms. According to Blansett, student affairs is working to address students’ immediate needs.
Resident services limited students’ accesses to their mailboxes for safety reasons. Due to the interruption, students will use the laundry facilities at Springs and Tolbert areas. Mail is being rerouted, Blansett said.
UF is organizing meetings to determine the extent of damages and a plan to restore the laundry facility.
Original story, Sept. 19: A fire broke out at the Keys Residential Complex on the University of Florida Campus Saturday afternoon. Students were asked to evacuate the area, and were given the all-clear to return to the dorms a few hours later. Officials said the blaze started in the attic above the laundry facilities, and no injuries or damage to residences was reported.
UF Alert Building Fire at KEYS RESIDENTAL COMPLEX. Evacuate immediately if inside. Avoid area. Details to follow.
— UF Alert (@UFAlert) September 19, 2015
Fire at University of Florida Keys Complex, students are evacuating and fire fighters are on the scene. pic.twitter.com/HFOuDNNdX3
— Sara Girard (@SaraGirardNews) September 19, 2015
Flames spotted coming from office area. No word yet as to how the fire started. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/TXT4gLH0Fr
— Sara Girard (@SaraGirardNews) September 19, 2015
Witnesses are saying the fire started in the laundry room and spread to the office area. No reported injuries. @WUFTNews
— Sara Girard (@SaraGirardNews) September 19, 2015
Police telling students it'll be at least about an hour before they can go through Stadium Road near Keys. Area is blocked off.
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
One maintenance worker says the fire was likely caused by a dryer in the laundry room.
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
About 4:32 an RA saw flames coming out of the building and called 911. No one was injured, according to @UFPublicSafety.
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
Officials are unclear of when students will be able to come back in. Police tape still up. pic.twitter.com/3GIu4u5w4Y
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
No residential areas were affected by the fire.
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
.@gainesvillefire now on the roof of the commons. pic.twitter.com/97Xg8vBoLI
— Ali Schmitz (@SchmitzMedia) September 19, 2015
Photo posted anonymously on @YikYakApp shows flames spreading at Keys Residential Complex office area. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/LBDI1MruiL
— Sara Girard (@SaraGirardNews) September 19, 2015
Many students remain at the O'Connell Center waiting for the all clear. Keys Complex will be under Fire Watch until 6pm tomorrow. @WUFTNews
— Sara Girard (@SaraGirardNews) September 19, 2015
