A small fire failed to trigger smoke detectors in a lounge on the second floor of Franklin Science Center (FSC) at late Wednesday afternoon. 

Police are still investigating vandalisms that have occurred in FSC over the past several weeks, according to an email sent by SU police chief Michael Lee. 

Professors investigated a burning smell Wednesday and found Room 203, a student lounge, was full of smoke. No fire was present in the room.

Physics professor Kate Shirk and chemistry professor Robin McCann said they did not hear a fire alarm. 

In response, a detective from SUPD investigated the scene while several fire engines were parked in the lot between FSC and the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. 

“It is concerning that alarms did not go off,” Shirk said. “We don’t have a way in the building to notify everyone that things are all right.”

“Safety is an issue here. This is an older building and needs updated,” said Robin McCann, a chemistry professor. 

McCann said the university has helped the chemistry department stay to code. She said facilities and management worked hard with her at the beginning of this year to improve safety in the organic chemistry lab. 

However, she said Franklin has been waiting for 10-15 years for a renovation and that Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education approved such a project.  

Kim Garris, SU’s vice president of External Relations & Communications, said SUPD is investigating the fire, which she says was “very small and isolated and was extinguished quickly.”

Garris also confirmed Franklin Science Center will be the next large capital project for the university.

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