Gallery photos by Alex Wilson

UPDATE – 3/25/15 at 1:18 p.m.

While the cause of the fire in the Aquatic Center on March 17 is still unknown there is very little damage to the building, according to UNFPD.

According to the report, an officer was dispatched to the Aquatic Center at 9:26 p.m. in response to a report of a fire. Upon arrival, the officer saw flames on the northeast section of the Aquatic Center’s roof. While Jacksonville Fire and Rescue was on their way, UNFPD searched the building for any individuals inside but did not find anybody.

The Aquatic Center is currently being renovated by Barton Malow Construction Company, which has been notified of the fire.

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The silence that normally accompanies nighttime on campus was broken by the wail of sirens Tuesday, March 17 when a fire broke out around 10 p.m. at the Aquatic Center.

Despite a number of emergency responder vehicles, there seemed to minimal damage to the exterior of the building. Due to construction barriers and the vehicles, it was impossible to judge the extent of the damage, if any, based on sight alone. However, Spinnaker did observe the fire ladder and fire hose being retracted back into a firetruck at the scene, as well as a fair amount of water on the ground.

Spinnaker attempted to get a statement from UNFPD officer Sgt. Price, but she declined. Price said that they are not allowed to give statements to Spinnaker, and that we would have to speak with UNFPD Chief Frank Mackesy in the morning. Price did however reassure Spinnaker that no one was harmed by the fire.

Spinnaker will update with more information when it becomes available.

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