An early morning fire in Balch Hall on Cornell’s North Campus displaced several freshmen from their rooms Feb. 7. The fire was contained to one room, was extinguished quickly, and no students were seriously injured, according to the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD), which is leading the investigation into the fire.

Balch Hall’s fire alarm, which went off at 1 a.m., and a passerby who witnessed flames from a third-floor window and called 911, alerted students to the fire.

When responding to the alarm, Cornell Environmental Health and Safety officers discovered smoke and fire in a North Balch Hall room and continued to help evacuate residents. While the fire was being extinguished, Robert Purcell Community Center was opened to provide shelter for the evacuated students.

Ithaca firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. Crews worked to remove heavy smoke from several floors of the building and ensured that all students were out and accounted for. Cornell Police as well as additional volunteers from Residential Programs assisted in helping students safely evacuate.

A total of 10 students were displaced from their rooms because of smoke damage and were given temporary housing. Eight are now back in their rooms.

While the cause of the fire has not been determined, Cornell officials are continuing to cooperate in the investigation by IFD.

Students are encouraged to read fire safety guidelines provided by Cornell Environmental Health and Safety and Cornell Police.