School working to assist faculty, staff affected by Edwards Building fire

Medical school officials are working with faculty and staff who are being temporarily displaced because of a fire early March 11 on the third floor of the Edwards Building.

The fire was reported at 7:30 a.m. and was believed to have originated in a fume hood in a lab on the third floor. Firefighters extinguished the blaze; no hazardous materials or chemicals were involved.

After school officials assessed the building, they determined that the north wing of the building (the odd-numbered rooms) sustained significant water damage.

Occupants of the south side of the Edwards Building were allowed back in at noon Sunday. Niraj Dangoria, associate dean for facilities planning and management, said he hoped that occupants of the first floor of the north wing will be able to move back into their spaces within the next few days.

However, occupants of the second and third floors of the north wing will likely be unable to move back into the space for a month or more while crews repair the water damage in the walls, floors and ceilings. Alternative lab and office space for those individuals is in the process of being identified and arrangements are being made to make this transition as smooth as possible, he said.

Dangoria said north-wing occupants who have questions about the relocation process can call (650) 223-1725 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the week. Also, a security desk has been set up at the building’s first-floor entrance near the Lane Building where occupants can check in and be escorted to their offices and labs to retrieve items that are critical for daily operations.