Fire alarms sounded in Cooke Hall at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, forcing students and professors out of class.
The University Police Department (UPD) and Getzville Fire Department responded to the alarms and found the source of the smoke to be malfunctioning elevator brakes.
"We had smoke, but no fire. The brakes on the elevator smoked and caused the smell to enter the building through the elevator shafts," said David Nowak, assistant chief of the Getzville Fire Department.
The firefighters reported that there was no damage to the building or the elevator, and that technicians were on their way to find and repair any problems.
Assistant Chief Richard Lindy of the UPD said elevator malfunctions are rare.
"If there is an emergency students should contact us right away, and if there is something wrong that is not an immediate threat UB facilities should be contacted," Lindy said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
