Fire at Western University deemed ‘suspicious’

Western's social sciences building was evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a fire.

London police say that a fire that saw Western University’s Social Science Centre evacuated on Thursday afternoon has been deemed suspicious.

First responders were called to campus around 2:30 p.m., where a fire-damaged window could be spotted on the eighth floor, where heavy smoke was reported.

Campus security teams were in the process of helping people evacuate when firefighters arrived.

Crews say they were able to get the fire under control quickly, and only one person needed treatment at the scene.

“It’s a very unique situation. A lot of open areas, smoke [can] migrate very, very easily into the large atrium areas of the building. However, it is made of concrete, which does help us with respect to containing the fire rather quickly,” said District Chief Gary Mosburger.

Students with upcoming exams at Western’s social sciences building will receive updates from the Office of the Registrar.

Others requiring access to the building on Friday will receive updates from the Social Science Dean’s office.

No cause or damage estimate has been determined yet, however police confirmed on Friday afternoon that the blaze was being investigated.

Anyone with information is asked to call the London Police Service at [phone] or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).