Hartwick College announced Thursday, June 4 that Baking Innovation Lab equipment and staff will be relocated temporarily from its location at the Dietz Street Lofts in downtown Oneonta to the former Brewing Lab space on campus following a rooftop fire at the Lofts Wednesday, June 3.
According to a statement from the college, a preliminary assessment showed that the fire originated on the deck of the residential space located above the Baking Innovation Lab.
A staff member and a student who were in the building were safely evacuated, and local emergency responders quickly brought the fire under control.
“While the fire did not take place in the Baking Innovation Lab itself, the building sustained water and smoke damage, and is currently experiencing power-related issues,” according to the statement.
Baking lab programs and testing activities will on campus continue while repairs are assessed and completed. There’s no firm timeline for the return of operations to the Dietz Street facility; the relocation may remain in place through the summer.
More than 30 people were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross assisted those impacted, sheltering them at the Armory.
Meg Rossman, American Red Cross Western New York regional communications manager, said Friday that there were still people at the Armory as of Friday, but didn’t disclose how many people had been assisted. There’s no timeline of closure for that shelter.
“The Red Cross is continuing to meet the immediate needs of the individuals impacted,” she said, offering shelter, meals, resources to help in their long term recovery process, “or just lending an ear to an individual who is doing through a difficult time.”
Oneonta Fire Chief Brian Knapp had no updates on the origin or cause of the Friday. City Code Enforcement Officer John Hester was not available to comment on whether city officials have assessed the damage yet.