MOSCOW, ID – The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the University of Idaho this morning at around 8:00 a.m. for a reported structure fire. According to a press release, they responded to the 600 block of Stadium Drive the Hartung Theater after multiple people called about seeing smoke and flames from the loading dock area of the building and possibly from a box truck parked at the loading dock area.
“The first arrival of the command officer was within 5 minute[s] and it was observed that there was a working fire with flames and smoke showing from the loading dock and possibly a box truck. It was also observed that the fire alarm and sprinkler system was activated on the interior of the building,” officials say.
The first fire engine arrived within six minutes and established a water supply. They deployed a hose line and knocked down the main body of the fire on the loading dock.
“As two additional engines arrived within an additional two minutes and were tasked with search and checking for fire extension on the inside of the building. It was determined the fire was primarily located on the outside of the building on the loading dock, however, significant amount of smoke did penetrate into and throughout the building and one sprinkler head in the inside dock area did activate and held the fire to the exterior of the building. The box truck rear door was damaged, however the remaining contents were not damaged,” the press release says.
Due to the building being on the University of Idaho property which is a state facility, the Idaho State Fire Marshal Office was contacted to conduct the fire investigation.
The fire is considered to be under investigation at this time.
Fire and Police were dispatched by WHITCOM 911. Responding agencies included Moscow Fire, Moscow Ambulance, and Moscow Police. No injuries were reported.
“Thank you to the University of Idaho staff for the assistance throughout this incident. It is valuable to have such a great partnership and collaboration,” the fire department adds.
