Arson likely in fire at K-State vet school

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 21, 2001 by Capital-Journal

The Capital-Journal

MANHATTAN --- A fire that started in an office in the veterinary medicine complex at Kansas State University on Friday morning caused substantial smoke damage, a university official said.

"Evidence indicates it is an act of arson," said K-State police investigator Lt. Richard Herrman.

Steven Galitzer, director of public safety, said no damage estimate will be available until next week.

Galitzer said portions of the third floor of Coles Hall sustained extensive smoke damage. Another portion of the floor, which houses a few animals, is on a separate ventilation system and is separated by a firewall. No damage of any kind was sustained in that portion of the building, and the animals are in good condition.

The fire started a little before 6 a.m. in a faculty office. A K- State security officer reported smoke and a chemical odor coming from the third floor.

"Because of initial concerns that a lab and chemicals might be involved in the fire, the Manhattan Fire Department's HazMat team was called in," Galitzer said.

Once it was determined that the fire originated in an office and not a lab, the firefighters sprayed water on the fire. The hazardous materials team then used the fire as a training exercise.

Investigators from the Manhattan Fire Department and the K-State police department were to remain on the scene today to continue their investigation.

Most employees who work on the first and second floors of the building were permitted to return to work by 10:30 a.m., after the areas were ventilated to eradicate smoke odors. The third floor will be accessible on a limited basis later.