A fire resulting from a chemical reaction broke out in a classroom at Cal State Long Beach, injuring one person and prompting evacuations.
Lithium in solid and liquid forms exploded in a beaker and caused a fire Tuesday afternoon in the university’s Engineering & Computer Science Building, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.
A man — it was not immediately clear if he’s a student — was treated at the scene for an unspecified injury and was in stable condition when taken to a hospital, said Jack Crabtree of the LBFD.
At least two other people were assessed at the scene, Crabtree said.
The fire was knocked down by 1:50 p.m., but crews remained at the scene ventilating the building, which was evacuated, and hazmat specialists were assessing the situation, he said.
The Engineering & Computer Science Building will be open for business Wednesday and classes will be held as scheduled, school officials reported.
—City News Service