Update on building closures on campus

UPDATE 3pm Friday 30 April 2021

Dear all

I am writing to provide an update on this morning's building closures caused by a fire at Building 13B. 

Importantly, no one was injured.  

ACT Emergency Services have cleared the surrounding area and confirmed it is safe with no hazardous materials in the precinct. Surrounding buildings and carparks, which were originally closed as a precaution and so a hazardous materials assessment could be undertaken, have been reopened and can now be used as normal.  

If your class today was disrupted, the teacher of your course will advise you through normal class communications regarding any make up teaching sessions offered.  

The building destroyed by the fire was used for finance and research administration. No student work or student records were kept in the building and no other records have been lost. 

We are providing support to the staff who worked in 13B. They will move to a new space in Building 188, China in the World, from Monday 3 May.  

I thank ACT Emergency Services and Police, and our ANU community for responding so quickly and professionally. Also thanks to those of you who experienced any disruption for your patience. 

The wellbeing of our community is always our highest priority and I would encourage anyone impacted by this morning's events to seek support. Students can contact the ANU Crisis Support Line on 1300 050 327 or via SMS Text message service on 0488 884 170. Staff can access the Employee Assistance Program on 1800 808 374 or via email at staff.adviser@anu.edu.au. 

I hope you all have a restful weekend. 

Regards, 
Paul 

Paul Duldig 
Chief Operating Officer 
The Australian National University 
 

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There has been a fire at building 13b on the Acton campus, between Baldessin Precinct Building and School of Art and Design. The fire is out and there is no immediate danger. No one is injured. The local area is closed. Please stay away from the affected area.

There is no access to the following buildings and carparks today, Friday 30 April:

• Baldessin Precinct Building
• Baldessin carpark
• Melville Hall and Tjabal Centre for Indigenous Higher Education
• Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies
• School of Art and Design
• Beryl Rawson Building

Classes are cancelled in the affected buildings.

Baldessin carpark permit holders will be able to park in other areas across campus in non-reserved and non-disabled places, with no infringements enforced.

We are sorry for any inconvenience. As always, the safety of our people and community remains our highest priority.

For more information, please call ANU Security on +61 2 6125 2249.