A fire at a University of Oregon building, which houses the university’s School of Music and Dance program, has caused an estimated $500,000 in damage.
Glen Potter, spokesman for Eugene Fire Department, said the Tuesday night fire caused heavy smoke damaged in Gerlinger Annex. Fortunately, no one was injured. The fire began after someone had accidentally left on a stove burner in Gerlinger Annex’s break room, located on the third floor.
The building is closed indefinitely, due to concerns for high asbestos and carbon dioxide levels. Firefighters are particularly concerned for the high levels of asbestos, for they are familiar with dangers which arise from asbestos exposure.
Many firefighters are exposed to the fibrous material, most commonly found in older buildings, due to fire’s disturbance of the asbestos. When asbestos is disturbed, it poses a serious health risk to those within the vicinity of the toxic material-including firefighters.
When the material is inhaled, those exposed are put at risk for contracting malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare disease which affects nearly 3,000 Americans each year.
The disease, however, is aggressive, and has no cure. Mesothelioma treatments, including radiation and mesothelioma chemotherapy, do little to help patients, who are already faced with a short life expectancy period.
Spokesman Phil Weiler noted in the Gazette Times that the University is unaware of who left the burner on. There are no classes scheduled in the building during the summer period.