The Biological and Agricultural Engineering shops near Tureaud Hall was evacuated today after a student accidentally started a small chemical fire.Dorin Boldor, assistant professor of biological engineering, said the fire started when a student turned his back on an experiment while trying to extract oil from soy beans. While evaporating Hexane, a chemical used to extract oil, it flashed and burst into flames.The student immediately responded to the flames by using a fire extinguisher and helped usher others out of the building.”He acted really well,” Boldor said. “He did what he was supposed to do.”The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded with two pumping trucks and a ladder truck, though the fire was extinguished by the time they arrived. The firemen searched the building and used a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan to clear the smoke.There was no damage other than a burnt roll of paper towels, according to Capt. Craig Rogillio of the BRPFD.After the firemen left, Facility Services began cleaning the site. Other than a lingering odor and an overnight clean-up process, there was no damage to the building.
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