UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Normal operations will resume in Hammond Building on Thursday, July 30, after an accidental, late-night office fire closed the building for the day on July 29. The building was closed to allow time for restoration crews to properly clean and ventilate the space. Employees who work in the building should report to work on Thursday as normal. In order to reduce foot traffic as contractors repair damaged areas, all classes scheduled to take place in Hammond Building will be temporarily relocated through Aug. 5.The temporary move affects less than 200 students in 10 classes. Students will be contacted by their instructors with additional information about new class locations. Students who have questions can contact their instructors for additional information.
The results of air quality monitoring conducted throughout Hammond Building have come back at normal, safe levels. Building occupants may notice fluctuations in the level of smoke odor as crews work to remove damaged materials. A fire mitigation contractor has begun cleanup work. Penn State Environmental Health and Safety and the University's Office of Physical Plant will continue to monitor cleanup until repairs are complete.
Individuals with questions or concerns should contact the College of Engineering Human Resources Office or Facilities Office.Damage to the building was contained primarily to Room 136, a student research office. The fire was accidental, though authorities are continuing their investigation into the specific cause. As a precaution, classrooms and laboratory space directly above and below the affected room have been closed while repairs take place, affecting a total of six rooms. An elevator whose first-floor exit sits in the immediate vicinity of Room 136 will be programmed to skip the first floor until repairs are complete. All other elevators in the building will continue to operate normally.Pedestrians and drivers may notice traffic restrictions directly behind Hammond Building as repairs continue. Pedestrian traffic within the building also may be redirected to accommodate contractors’ restoration activities.