Weekend Fire Cancels Classes at Winthrop University

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Investigators in Rock Hill, South Carolina will try to determine the cause of Sunday afternoon's fire that began in the attic of Owens Hall, Winthrop University's newest academic building. Classes at the University are canceled due to fire and water damage to surrounding buildings, Winthrop spokesperson Rebecca Masters told the Charlotte Observer.

The fire was primarily concentrated below the roof of the 32,200-square-foot, three-story building that opened in 2007 at a cost of $6.5 million. Officials said the roof and much of the building's interior has been damaged and will have to be replaced, according to the newspaper.

One injury was reported at the scene. A firefighter from the Rock Hill Fire Department took a fall on steps inside the building. He was treated and released form Piedmont Medical Center, according to Katie Bartnikowski with the City of Rock Hill.

Rock Hill firefighters on ladder trucks attacked the blaze from two sides, assisted by volunteer firefighters. Because of a multi-layered roofing system, the blaze continued to smolder, forcing firefighters to stay on campus to monitor the building. According to Winthrop President Anthony DiGiorgio, crews will stay on the scene until Monday afternoon, and then investigators will begin to look for a cause. After the department finishes, University officials will begin to estimate damage.

According to the University, Owens Hall has 21 classrooms equipped with SMART technology, a computer lab, two conference rooms and a student lounge. The building is named for Winthrop alumna, volunteer and supporter Glenda Owens and her husband, Jerry.

Students and faculty are asked to log on to the school's website for additional updates at www.winthrop.edu.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com