One of the largest buildings on Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus in Bible Hill was ablaze with fire Wednesday night (June 20).
The university learned of the fire in the Cox Institute not long after 9 p.m., and firefighters worked well into the night to contain and eliminate the blaze.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
In a memo to the Agricultural Campus community on Thursday, Dean and Principal David Gray thanked the Bible Hill Fire Brigade and all of the other volunteer fire services involved in fighting the blaze: “Their response was immediate and phenomenal and we are very appreciative of their professionalism.”
The cause of the fire, and the extent of the damage, are still unknown as the fire marshal continues his investigation. As of Thursday, the Cox building is closed until further notice, with no access to the building until the marshal’s work is complete.
Latest: Cox fire updates
Though most classes on the Ag Campus are not in session during the summer months, the Cox Institute is home to several academic departments and service divisions, including Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences as well as Business and Social Sciences. Faculty and staff affected by the fire report were instructed to report to work Thursday in the MacRae Library or make alternative arrangements with their supervisors.
In his letter, Dean Gray thanked all faculty and staff for their understanding and service, emphasizing that the health and safety of everyone on campus remains the highest priority.
He also thanked those who’ve offered support in the wake of the fire.
“The offers of support and well wishes from within our campus community, alumni and the community at large continue to pour in and I am reminded yet again, of the amazing, close-knit community we are lucky to be part.
“We are Aggies and as such will persevere.”
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Faculty of Agriculture website.