Campus blaze still a mystery (From York Press)

University of York Campus fire still a mystery

9:19am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

THE cause of a fire that led to the evacuation of 400 people from the University of York is still unknown.

Fire investigation officers spent much of yesterday at Chemistry B block in Alcuin Way at the university in Heslington and a brigade spokesman said there would be further investigations over the weekend and on Monday to try and determine the cause of the blaze.

A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The fire started in the roof space and heating ducting and at no point were chemicals involved. There is still no cause for the incident and it is not known how it occurred.”

Six fire crews and an aerial ladder platform were called out at about 12.45pm on Thursday and remained there for most of the afternoon as firefighters tackled the flames and investigated the cause.

A university spokesman said: “Chemistry lectures and small group teaching is proceeding as normal. Inspections to assess the extent of the damage to B block are still continuing. The university is working to identify alternative teaching spaces for the areas affected by Thursday’s incident should they be required.”