A fire scare in The Commons Monday evening, Sept. 28 forced the building to be evacuated and left students standing in the rain while they waited firefighters and police officials to give the “all clear.”
According to Joshua Wendling, the marketing manager for Culinary and Hospitality Services, a smoke detector in a janitor’s closet was activated for an unknown reason.
“Upon inspection by KSU facilities, and based on findings by the Fire Department, it is highly likely that the smoke detector was faulty,” Wendling said. “Subsequently, it has been scheduled to be replaced.”
Once the alarm sounded, it did not take long for people to react.
“The building was quickly and efficiently cleared, and after the Fire Department gave the “all-clear,” guests were permitted to reenter The Commons,” Wendling said. He also reiterated the emphasis placed on the safety of everyone in the building.
“The safety and wellbeing of all students, faculty, and staff are top priority for Culinary and Hospitality Services, and every associate that works in any of the on-campus eateries receives safety training throughout the year.”
To the students concerned about compensation for their lost swipe due to the evacuation, Culinary and Hospitality Services has a solution to their dilemma. “Those students who entered The Commons within the 45 minutes before the building was cleared will be refunded a swipe upon request in the Meal Plan Office,” Wendling said.
