McKinly Laboratory will be closed until at least Monday morning because of a Wednesday afternoon fire.

Fire broke out just after 1 p.m. in a basement room. The area was undergoing renovations. A spark created by a saw ignited the blaze, and the resulting heat traveled through the ventilation system, activating sprinklers on the second floor.

UD Emergency Services professionals, including police and Department of Environmental Health and Safety first responders, were on site within minutes, as were local fire crews, led by Newark’s Aetna Hook, Hose and Ladder Company.

All occupants of the building were successfully evacuated and no civilian injuries were reported.  Several firefighters on site were treated for heat-related medical issues.

Officials will review the extent of water and fire damage during the next few days. Anyone with questions about access to laboratories within the building should contact UD’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 302-831-8475.