Ames Fire Responds To Fire At Iowa State University’s Ross Hall

Press release from the City of Ames:

February 22, 2021

Ames firefighters responded to a Monday morning fire at Ross Hall on the Iowa State University campus. At 6:08 a.m., firefighters arrived on scene and made entry into the building and immediately encountered heavy dark smoke throughout the entire first floor. With zero visibility, fire crews searched the first floor and found a fire in a custodial closet. Fire crews worked to knock down the flames while other crews were sent to the floors above to confirm everyone was out of the building. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. Smoke had made its way through the entire building, and crews had to use multiple large fans to clear the smoke from the rest of the building.

There was one person inside the building at the time of the fire who made it out safely. There were no injuries reported, and damage estimates are not available at this time. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation through a joint effort between Iowa State University Police and the Ames Fire Department. Ross Hall, which provides office and classroom space, will be closed throughout the rest of today. Updates about the building’s reopening will be available on the Iowa State University homepage at www.iastate.edu

At this fire, firefighters were able to quickly access fire hydrants that had been cleared of snow. The Ames Fire Department reminds residents and businesses to make sure nearby fire hydrants are visible and have at least a 3-foot clear area around them. This will ensure that firefighters can quickly identify and connect to fire hydrants. For assistance removing snow around a fire hydrant in your neighborhood, call 515.239.5109.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.