Steam discharge created illusion of fire at MSU Union, officials say
EAST LANSING — The MSU Union was evacuated Wednesday night as emergency personnel responded to reports of an incident at the building and determined there was an excessive release of steam from the building, MSU officials said.
Reports circulated on social media of a fire at the iconic building that serves as a gathering place for MSU's students, including a video that appeared to show an orange glow and white haze coming from the roof area of the structure.
MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen, however, said a cooling tower on the building had a steam discharge, which is not unusual. Incandescent lights and atmospheric conditions Wednesday evening made it appear as if fire was coming from the roof area, Olsen added.
By 8 p.m. the building had been cleared by emergency personnel and reopened.
"We appreciate the quick response from first responders," Olsen said.
The Union was closed earlier this year after the mass shooting on campus that occurred at adjacent Berkey Hall and the Union, but the Union has since partially reopened.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Steam discharge created illusion of fire at MSU Union, officials say
