Nova Scotia

Dalhousie biology wing to remain closed Tuesday after fire

A fire in the biology wing on the weekend prompted Dalhousie University to close all floors of the Life Sciences Centre.

Alert sent out Sunday that fire caused 'air quality concerns'

A rock wall that marks the entrance of Dalhousie University.
Dalhousie University closed all floors of the biology wing Sunday after a fire. (Eric Woolliscroft/CBC)

The biology tower at Dalhousie University's Life Sciences Centre (LSC) in Halifax will remain closed Monday and Tuesday after a fire over the weekend.

The university sent out an alert Sunday notifying students the building had to close due to "air quality concerns" after an equipment fire. The fire was in the biology wing and all floors of the LSC were closed. 

In an email, Janet Bryson, speaking for Dalhousie University, said no one was injured in the fire, which was extinguished by Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency on Sunday.

Bryson said damage was not extensive, but a check of the building Monday morning found the smoke odour was "still too strong on all levels" of the biology wing to allow people back in. 

In a tweeted statement, the university said all floors in the biology wing would remain closed for cleanup. However, LSC common space, as well as the oceanography, psychology departments and the Wallace McCain Learning Common would open Monday as scheduled. 

Bryson said the university will notify staff and students when the space is ready to re-enter, but she did not specify when that might be.