On October 6th there was a fire in one of the labs in Keck. According to Shayna McKinney, Chief Communications officer for Caltech, “The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the source is believed to have been a piece of equipment in one area that malfunctioned.” Sources have told the Tech that the equipment was believed to be a soldering iron.
The fire activated the sprinkles which “worked as designed and activated to put the fire out in the space where it originated.” There were also several fire trucks on scene.
According to McKinney, “No significant damage to the building was reported, however, water from the sprinklers did collect in areas on the basement, first, and second floors. Some ceiling and floor tiles, and carpet patches will be replaced, and the elevator’s electrical system is being repaired. We will continue to monitor the spaces to ensure there are not future concerns with moisture or mold.”