Weber Workforce Center Fire Under Control, No Injuries Reported

GODFREY – Students and faculty were evacuated, and no injuries were reported following a fire in Lewis and Clark Community College’s Weber Workforce Center on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The fire began around 10 a.m. and was brought under control by 10:20 a.m.

LC Campus Safety was notified of the fire at 10:01 a.m. and called 9-1-1.

An individual was operating a grinder in the north bay on the building's east side when a spark ignited the hose on an acetylene tank. Another individual at the scene grabbed a fire extinguisher to fight the flames. The instructor immediately evacuated students to a nearby building.

Multiple departments responded, including the Alton, Fosterburg and Godfrey Fire Departments. Godfrey was the first to arrive at 10:09 a.m.

Upon arrival, emergency crews ran a line in and threw a cooling stream on the fire, according to Godfrey Emergency Services Director Chris Sichra, who was already on campus for the college’s monthly tornado siren test when the incident occurred.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Sue Czerwinski said all welding classes are canceled until further notice.

Early assessments indicate minimal damage at this time, said Lori Artis, Vice President of Strategic Engagement.