University Police and Fire Marshals, including the Setauket Fire Department, responded to a report of a smoking condition in the Student Activities Center basement at approximately 11:1 a.m on Friday, Sept. 19.  Responders were informed that building staff extinguished a trash can on fire in the basement bathroom prior to their arrival.

The building was evacuated due to lingering smoke caused by the fire. No injuries were reported at the time.

Students, staff and visitors reoccupied the SAC around 11:30 a.m.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Assistant Chief of University Police Eric Olsen emailed The Statesman regarding the situation.

“University Police and Fire Marshals responded to the Student Activities Center lower basement to a report of a smoking condition, upon arrival they were informed that a trash can in the basement bathroom was on fire but had been extinguished by staff prior to their arrival,” he said.

The building was evacuated due to a lingering smoking condition caused by the fire. No injuries were reported at the time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

At approximately 11:10 a.m., the University Police Department and the Setauket Fire Department responded to investigate a possible fire in the basement of the Student Activities Center. Staff, students and visitors re-entered the building at approximately 11:30 a.m. and firetrucks left the scene.It is still unclear what the caused the fire.