Fire in the Rose Room

The fire in the Rose Room was caused by the capacitor in one of the light fittings overheating and the plastic diffuser melting with the heat. Hot plastic dripped onto two tables, a chair and the carpet tiles. The heat melted the back of a chair and scorched the tables as well as damaging the carpet tiles.

The room was occupied at the time. Staff and students acted appropriately and activated the manual call point while the teacher dialled 111. There are smoke detectors in the room but this was apparently a ‘clean’ fire with little smoke. The damage to the chair was done after the room was evacuated and while waiting for the Fire Service to attend.

There were two machines dispatched by FENZ. They responded promptly from the Kaikorai station, supplemented by the St Kilda crew. They opened up the ceiling space and extinguished the heat source.

Damage was fortunately very limited. Carpet tiles have been replaced and the room aired out. The electrician has disconnected the offending light fitting and replaced it. Smoke detectors have been tested again and they all operate as required. We are also checking all the other capacitors and ballasts in the fittings in the building.

The room should be back in operation by Tuesday. The incident commander commended the quick action of staff and students.