Rec Center evacuated yesterday due to dryer fire
Following a small dryer fire, students were evacuated, and the Rec’s Testing Center was closed for around four hours.
November 11, 2020
Smoke alarms sounded in the Recreation and Wellness Center at approximately 11:15 a.m. CDT Nov. 10, where all students were expected to report for mandatory exit COVID-19 testing.
The alarms sounded as a result of a small fire that broke out in one of the dryers. The fire was contained quickly, and there was no damage or injuries sustained, per an email from a university spokesperson.

Students were evacuated, and a Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) vehicle and Metro Nashville Department truck arrived on scene. While the fire was not a major issue per a university spokesperson, testing was postponed until 3:00 p.m. CST.
A sign placed near the entrance to the building alerted arriving students that they could not enter the building and encouraged them to come back at a different time.
“Attention. Testing Center closed until 3pm, will re-open from 3pm-8pm on 11/10/2020. Apologies for the inconvenience this may cause. Please email: [email protected] if these times do not work for you,” the sign read.
McTyeire International House was also evacuated Sept. 17 this year due to a heating unit catching fire. There was also another dryer fire earlier this year on Sept. 27 in Crawford House.

Charlotte Mauger ('24) is a student in the College of Arts and Science studying Public Policy and French. You can reach her at [email protected]