Contact: Allison Matthews
The failure of a newly installed component of the fire suppression system produced substantial water damage in one Mississippi State University residence hall early Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The damage was limited to 34 rooms in Hurst Hall and could displace as many as 68 female students in the Zacharias Village residence hall for the rest of the Fall 2014 semester. Three-story Hurst Hall has an occupancy capacity of 250 students and was built in 2006.
"The new components to the fire suppression system were being installed as an upgrade to the system," said MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter. "At this time, we are evaluating both the failed component and the installation of the component in trying to determine the cause of this accident and to take immediate steps to correct the problem."
After the Ruby Hall fire suppression pipe burst caused by record low temperatures in January, MSU implemented a preventive maintenance protocol that proactively suctions water from the dry pipe fire suppression system whenever temperatures dictate. That protocol was followed during the recent cold snap, Salter said.
"We are still assessing damage to Hurst Hall and still assessing the implications of this component failure," said Salter. "The university will take the appropriate steps to place all impacted students in safe and appropriate temporary housing while repairs are made to Hurst."
Salter said MSU's Department of Housing and Residence Life will be assisting impacted students as they transition to other housing opportunities both on and off campus. Students are urged to call 662-325-3555 or email housing@saffairs.msstate.edu for additional information.
For more information on Mississippi State University, visit www.msstate.edu