Small Electrical Fire Damages University of Texas’ Painter Hall

A small electrical fire has slightly damaged a University of Texas at Austin academic building and left one person with minor injuries.

UT spokeswoman Cindy Posey says Tuesday morning’s evacuation of Painter Hall initially was reported as a hazardous materials situation. People at the scene complained of an odor.

Posey says one person was treated at the scene and declined to be transported for additional medical attention. She had no further details on the victim.

Posey says investigators determined a wire arced in a fire panel and burned some insulation, causing minor damage. She had no immediate damage estimate for Painter Hall, located on the central part of campus.

Posey says the building was evacuated for about 90 minutes. Painter Hall reopened by midmorning Tuesday.