Update: Sunday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m.: Cleanup operations are underway in the Durham Research Center, with assessment teams actively evaluating affected areas. This week’s focus will include identifying and prioritizing necessary repairs, taking into account the specific requirements of each lab. The campus Incident Command Team, activated on Friday, continues to coordinate recovery operations and ensure clear communication among response teams and with researchers in impacted spaces.
Friday, Nov. 14: Remediation efforts will take place today at the Durham Research Center, after an early-morning fire that began in a sixth-floor lab was contained. No injuries have been reported.
Sprinkler systems ran for about 30 minutes in the initial area of the fire, and water has affected laboratories on the facility’s west side primarily, on several levels. Common areas and classrooms – including the auditorium – don’t appear to have any damage. Initial assessments indicate no impact to building IT and utility functions, and the overall structural safety of the building was unaffected.
Research personnel on levels 5 and 6 have been asked to not come to the facility today, unless necessary. Those employees and students who arrive at the DRC today are asked to take photos, assess damage and work with Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research staff to determine next steps, if necessary, said Julie Sommer, research resources manager.
Further updates will be provided to affected employees and students, as necessary.