Ashland University reports that on the evening of Nov. 28, an electrical fire broke out on several floors of Amstutz Hall, causing smoke, water and electrical system damage. The fire occurred when most students were home for Thanksgiving break. No students, employees or firefighters were injured.

Amstutz Hall will be unusable for the remainder of this academic year. All 142 students will be relocated to other dormitories on campus, including the currently empty Jacobs Hall, which AU will bring back into service. Affected students will be contacted by the Residence Life staff on Saturday, Nov. 29, with information on dorm assignments and access to the building and their belongings.

According to the announcement sent out to faculty, staff and students, “Affected students should rest assured that the faculty and staff in academic affairs will make reasonable accommodations for students who have been affected by this fire. We want to ensure that students are able to conclude the semester in a successful manner.”

In the announcement, President Jon Parrish Peede thanked the emergency response team.

“In the midst of our sadness during the tour of the damaged dorm last night, I saw firsthand the dedication of Vice President of Operations Rick Ewing, Safety Services Director Kim Mager, Director of Maintenance and Grounds Paul Brady, Vice President of Student Affairs Rob Pool and their dedicated teams who worked from the evening into the early morning and continue to work now over the holiday to serve our students. We are thankful for the work of these dedicated colleagues and the prompt response and continued support from the Ashland Fire Department and mutual aid agencies,” said Peede. “Please join me in prayer for those working in the building and the affected students as we navigate this situation together.”

Amstutz Hall is mostly populated by freshmen, who, according to university policy, are required to live on campus during their first year at AU. In addition to student rooms, Amstutz’s top floor, the Ninth Floor Suite, is also used as accommodation for notable guests or others visiting campus, receiving 40 to 50 reservations per year.

The fire happened one week before finals week and two weeks before the end of the fall semester.