Fire closes Bate Building for afternoon

Published Oct 29, 2008 by
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As Greenville Fire & Rescue personnel worked to clear smoke from the Bate Building, students, faculty and staff stood outside waiting for word on if they would be allowed back inside. Among those waiting was Josh Parrish, who wore a Cookie Monster costume

As Greenville Fire & Rescue personnel worked to clear smoke from the Bate Building, students, faculty and staff stood outside waiting for word on if they would be allowed back inside. Among those waiting was Josh Parrish, who wore a Cookie Monster costume

A fire in a men’s restroom closed the Bate Classroom Building for classes for most of the afternoon on Oct. 29.
Greenville Fire and Rescue responded to the call at approximately 1:45 p.m. on the campus of East Carolina University; the city’s fire marshal ordered the building closed for classes until 5 p.m.

No injuries were reported, according to Maj. Frank Knight with the ECU Police Department. ECU Police and the Greenville Fire and Rescue are conducting a joint investigation.

Knight reported there was minimal fire and smoke damage to the men’s second floor restroom located on the west side of the building. He also reported an unsuccessful similar attempt in a third floor restroom as well.

According to Knight and the Office of the Provost, the building was expected to be open for evening classes by 5 p.m.

Persons with information about the fire or who saw suspicious activity before the fire alarm sounded should contact the ECU Police Department at 328-6787.