BARRY MARKOWITZ / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BULLETIN Seven engine companies, including the Hazardous Material Unit, responded to a chemical fire yesterday at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Nearby dorms were evacuated.

Brigham Young
chemical fire leads to
evacuation of dorms

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Star-Bulletin staff

A reaction between two chemicals in a waste container started a fire in a storage building at Brigham Young University-Hawaii yesterday that forced the evacuation of nearby dormitories, according to Honolulu fire officials.

The structure, in the campus maintenance yard behind the Polynesian Cultural Center, housed paints and other chemicals. However, fire officials determined that no toxic chemicals were released in the fire, and allowed the students to return to their dormitories. There were no reported injuries.

The fire was reported at 10:38 a.m. Seven engine companies, including the Hazardous Material Unit, responded to the two-alarm fire, said fire Capt. Kenison Tejada, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

Firefighters were able to get the flames under control about a half-hour later but spent the rest of the day cleaning up.

The students were allowed back into their dormitories by 1:45 p.m., according to HFD.

The amount of damage caused by the fire has not been determined.