Hartley EVACUATED

On this cold, wet Wednesday morning, students’ studies were interrupted by an inconvenient fire alarm.

The alarm went off at around 11:25am. There was no real sense of panic- students casually saving their work and packing their bags.

Fire curtains came down and everyone slowly evacuated.

One lonely laptop on level one

Alex Wilson, a third year geographer, told us:

I am well pissed off, I’ve got an essay due in.

Alex Wilson not looking too pleased

Others seemed to see the more comical side of this situation. Lola, a third year Law student, said:

Its quite funny, I wonder what caused it.

Guilty students fleeing the scene?

The gathering crowds

Students were then moved round to the front of the building, where fire marshals kept crowds away from the main entrance.

Marshals taking there crowd controlling duties very seriously. It’s just like Glaso afterall.

Many students seemed to use this unexpected break as a chance to have a cigarette, make a phone call or even flyer for the upcoming Show Stoppers Grease performance.

Good use of the down time

Katie Eyton, a third year Geography student, said:

I’m annoyed, but I do have tea.

Making the best of a chilly situation

Byrony Cook, a third year student, told us:

I didn’t want to leave, but it seemed real.

Library staff were allowed back in at 11:44am. Students were allowed entry five minutes later.

The rush of joy, being let back in.

When library staff were asked why the fire alarm happened, they responded:

I don’t know, sometimes they just go off.

Building Manager, Mark Illingworth, confirmed that there was no fire after all. He told us:

It was an annual fire test to ensure that everything works and that everyone reacts appropriately.

It was a pretty short fire alarm experience, but not really what you want when your mid essay flow.

Were you there during the fire alarm? Let us know in comments