University of York students evacuated following fire
Hundreds of students have been evacuated from the University of York after a fire broke out in a chemistry department.
Fire crews were called to the building in Alcuin Way at around 12.45pm yesterday (2nd February) after smoke was seen billowing from the roof.
The large-scale blaze, which is believed to have started in a cabinet or fume cupboard in the chemistry department, was brought under control at 4pm.
Trevor Lunn, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire investigation and press liaison officer, told BBC News: "At this stage we aren't looking for any suspicious or deliberate cause.
"The main focus is on some of the systems in the building which may have had something to do with the fire."
Mr Lund also told Yorkshire Press that staff at the university had acted quickly to isolate most of the major fire risks and give firefighters details on the building's lay out.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales.
If a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is not carried out, the Responsible Person faces up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.
Posted by Paul Clarke
