Small fire causes water and smoke damage in the Class of 1953 Commons

A small fire broke out shortly before midnight on Sept. 20 in the Class of 1953 Commons House, the Office of Communications wrote in a Sept. 21 email to campus. Officials believe a “defective lithium-ion battery in a second-floor meter box” — where the fire was contained — was responsible.

The fire was extinguished by a sprinkler in the cabinet and the building sustained water and minor smoke damage. Between 200 and 300 students and staff were evacuated. No one was injured.

The Hanover Fire and Police Departments received assistance from the Lebanon and Hartford, Vt. Departments. Facilities, Operations and Maintenance worked overnight to open the college’s main dining room for breakfast.