Updated Jan. 25: Burke Science Building open for classes and work after small fire


This information was updated Thursday January 25 9:00 a.m. Please note the building is open. 

Hamilton Fire Department responded to a small fire in the subbasement of the Burke Science building on McMaster’s main campus at around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. McMaster Campus Safety Services ensured all occupants were safely evacuated and there were no injuries. The building’s ventilation was purged to remove the remaining smoke.

After an assessment, the building was cleared for use at 8:45 a.m. Classes that are currently underway in the building can safely continue. All afternoon classes will occur in the building as scheduled. Please connect with your instructor if you have any questions about the location of your class today. The building is also open for staff to work.

The fire appears to have started in an electrical panel. Power was temporarily suspended to ET Clarke and several nearby buildings. One room in the basement remains cordoned off.