Small Fire Quickly Extinguished On William Penn Campus

Oskaloosa Fire Department

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at the William Penn Cafeteria around 4pm, Sunday.

Engine 74 responded with Hoy Haroldson to the report of six foot flames along north wall of the cafeteria. The fire department found a small fire along a wall which was extinguished by water can. The fire caused moderate smoke on the third floor of the building.

According to the incident report, the cause of the fire was determined to be improperly stored mop heads. Employees stated they had been smelling something burning, and upon investigation found mop heads in a cleaning closet smoldering. Employees attempted to pick up the mop heads and remove them from the building, but had to drop them on the floor in the main kitchen. The employee deployed a 10 lb. ABC fire extinguisher, but didn’t get the fire out. Everyone then exited the building.

William Penn University released a statement in the evening saying, “The fire resulted in limited damage and no one was hurt. All student meals will be served in the Chief Mahaska Room in the Dana M. Atkins Memorial Union until further notice, and classes will operate as usual in the Union and across campus.”

“William Penn University would like to thank Campus Security, the Oskaloosa Fire Department, and the Oskaloosa Police Department for their fast response to the incident.”

Upon arrival, the fire department was assisted by employees, Oskaloosa Police Department, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, and Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Services.