Summary

During demolition of Northwest Quad Building A, a spark caused a small smoldering fire on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, smoke spread to adjacent buildings in Northwest Quad. The buildings were evacuated. There were no injuries.

Teams mitigated smoke odor overnight, and the buildings reopened Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Initial University Statement

UWM Emergency Alert: The NWQ B, C, and D buildings are closed tonight due to light smoke caused by construction. The building will reopen tomorrow at its regular time. If an faculty or staff need to get into the building to retrieve items, they can go to the circle drive entrance off of E. Newport Ave. At that entrance faculty and staff can check in with UWM Police/Staff.

Additional University Statements

Email to Faculty, Staff and Students (Dec. 20, 2022)

The Northwest Quad is open today, Dec. 20, and classes and activities are being held as scheduled.

The building was closed Monday after smoke from a construction fire entered the building.

Students and employees may notice a slight smell of lingering smoke. Students or employees with sensitivities to odors should work with their instructors or supervisors to make other arrangements.

The building is being monitored by the university’s environmental health team. The health and safety of our students and employees is the university’s top priority.

UWM also is working to reschedule exams that were canceled due to the building closure. More information will be shared on that as soon as it’s available.