Smoke scare forces evacuation of MU dorm

COLUMBIA - The residents of Lathrop Hall evacuated the dormitory early Tuesday morning in response to a fire alarm, said Battalion Chief Steven Sapp of the Columbia Fire Department.

The alarm was triggered by smoke generated from a hazardous electrical configuration consisting of a room heater, cell phone charger and an extension cord, Sapp said.

There were no injuries or structural damage, Sapp said.

Firefighters responded to the alarm at 1:42 a.m. with three engines, one ladder truck, one heavy rescue vehicle and two staff vehicles. Sapp said this is a standard response to a commercial building.

Upon arrival, the first fire unit advanced to the second floor of the residence hall and reported light smoke. "There wasn't really a fire," Sapp said. "Just smoke."

Lathrop Hall residents were able to return to their rooms shortly after the Fire Department's departure.