Campus Notification: Laundry Room Fire and Fire Sprinkler Activation in Augustine Hall This Morning

Dear Saint Mary’s community,

Between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 19, a small fire in the laundry room of Augustine Hall triggered the activation of the fire sprinkler system. All residents are safe as the fire was quickly extinguished by the successful activation of the fire sprinkler system in the laundry room. Moraga-Orinda Fire Department responded and extinguished the minor fire. The fire department has deemed the building safe and is investigating the cause of the fire. 

Due to the activation of the sprinkler system, excessive water entered certain residential rooms on the first floor and some offices on the ground level. Facilities Services staff and contracted janitorial services are assessing and beginning to remedy the damage done. The Campus Housing staff is supporting our residential students impacted by the water damage as they are relocated to different rooms during the duration of the clean up. Availability to the Division of Student Life offices located on the ground floor will be temporarily impacted as limited damage is cleaned and repaired. 

Campus Safety and Facilities Services will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Sincerely,

Manjit Sappal
Executive Director of Campus Safety