A fire involving large batteries at a large complex at Champlain College in Burlington this morning. Firefighters caught it just in time.

On November 21 at 2:10 AM, the Burlington Fire Department was alerted for an alarm activation at 375 Maple St, a large educational building on the Champlain College Campus. 375 Maple Street houses the Hauke Center, the Alumni Auditorium, and the Center for Communication and Media.

Upon arrival, members of the fire department investigated and located an active fire in a large electrical utility room in the basement. The fire, involving numerous sizeable batteries, was quickly extinguished. Crews conducted searches of the building and worked to remove the resulting smoke condition.

The early notification of the fire department as a result of a properly functioning alarm system, combined with the rapid response of on-duty personnel, ultimately prevented this fire from extending and
causing significant damage.

Assistance was provided on scene by the Burlington Police Department, the Burlington Electric Department and representatives from Champlain College. An investigation was conducted by the Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office. For questions relative to this incident please contact the Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office at 864-5577.