Fire at SUNY Canton shuts down campus

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February 11, 2012

Anonymous Press-Republican The Press Republican Sat Feb 11, 2012, 02:28 AM EST

CANTON — Due to a fire in Cook Hall and potential smoke damage to adjacent buildings on the SUNY Canton campus, the college sent students home on Friday and canceled classes for the coming week.

Classes are set to resume on Monday, Feb. 20.

The fire broke out shortly before noon on Friday; immediate assessment showed damage limited to Cook Hall. But access was limited to several other buildings as smoke damage was assessed and cleanup commenced.

The origin of the fire remained under investigation.

Residential students are instructed to return to campus on Sunday, Feb. 19, a release from the college said. Only students with obligations outside the classroom, such as athletes with game and practice obligations, will be allowed to remain on campus next week.

"We consider ourselves very fortunate that no one was hurt," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy the release. "It was a tremendous response from our local firefighters, rescue squads and police agencies, including our own University Police here on campus. This situation could have been worse, but these agencies and individuals were exceptional in containing the fire and minimizing the damage."

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to continue to monitor their email and check the college website for further information.

"We'll attempt to resume normalcy as soon as we are certain that it is safe to do so," said Kennedy. "We will undoubtedly have to make up some classes later in the semester and maximize alternative classroom space, but ultimately we're hoping this will be minimally disruptive in the long run."