Brescia University will be closed for the remainder of Tuesday after Owensboro Fire Department responded to a fire on campus and Owensboro Municipal Utilities is experiencing a power outage in the immediate area.
According to Owensboro Fire Chief Steve Mitchell, a motor burned up in an equipment room in Bartholomy-Taylor Hall on West Seventh Street. Mitchell said the incident involved mostly smoke and has given the all clear for the campus.
According to Sonya Dixon, communications and public relations manager for OMU, 485 are without power in the area of Fifth and Crittenden Streets. Crews are currently working to repair a down power line. Dixon confirmed the outage is affecting Brescia University and several nearby businesses.
Brescia University Director of Public Relations and Marketing Rachel Whelan said a majority of campus is without power. Officials are not sure of the cause of the small fire and whether it is related to the power outage. Whalen said the campus will remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Online classes will remain as scheduled and for questions students should contact their professors.
“We are uncertain of the cause of the issues on campus at this time, however want to reinforce that no immediate danger is present,” Whalen said. “Students, faculty, and staff are safe. We are grateful to the response from Owensboro Fire Department, who has the situation under control.”
