Fire in Arthur Bourns Science Building lab

McMaster's Arthur Bourns Science Building has reopened following a fire that occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday evening in an eight-person lab located on the third floor of the building. Damage to the lab is being assessed and clean-up is underway.

A graduate student was working with solvent hexane when the chemical suddenly caught fire, which subsequently ignited in the flame hood of the lab, which serves as an exhaust fan in the lab. The student dropped the bottle containing the solvent, causing the fire to spread.

Hamilton Fire Department responded to the call, and proceeded to evacuate the building and contain the fire with an hour. McMaster University's risk management team was immediately dispatched to contain and evaluate the damage.

Hexane is commonly used solvent, which when ignited produces a lot of smoke.

“Naturally, our first priority is to ensure the safety of the people who were injured in this accident,” said Brian McCarry, chair of the chemistry department. “The science building was closed until we were able to assess the damage.”

Five people were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, including the graduate student, three firefighters, and a McMaster University special constable.