Following a transformer catching fire in the basement of the Mathematical Sciences Building on July 29, it will remain closed until Aug. 6.

In a Kent State Today article, the university shared that six local fire departments responded to the initial incident, and after the fire was put out, no one was injured.

Kent Fire Captain Shawn Baynes said Stow, Hudson, Ravenna, Streetsboro and Brimfield fire departments responded to the scene after 7 p.m., taking about 2 1/2 hours to eliminate the fire.

He said the university shut down the power, decreasing the risk of responders being electrocuted. This let them focus on containing the fire to the basement and extinguishing it.

Since there were university employees working in the building, Baynes credited their presence and alertness for decreasing the amount of damage it could have caused.

Kent State closed the building to assess damages on July 30.

It is expected to open Aug. 6 as the university uses the week of Aug. 4 to install a new transformer and address the damage the fire caused. 

Baynes suspects there will be smoke damage, especially on the first floor.

The Mathematical and Science Building will remain closed until then.

Adriana Gasiewski is the digital content manager. Contact her at [email protected].