At approximately 5:45 pm on September 30th, 2025, the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department
responded to a report of an automatic fire alarm on the campus of Lake Superior State University.
Upon arrival it was determined that multiple buildings on campus had visible smoke with alarm
activation and active evacuation of occupied buildings.
While investigating the source of the smoke, it was identified that the university had an electrical
failure that affected electrical equipment in various buildings, causing motors to overheat and
produce smoke conditions.
Cloverland Electrical Cooperative and LSSU site engineering staff were requested for assistance.
Cloverland isolated the power to the campus to allow LSSU staff to investigate and repair the
electrical system.
All campus buildings were physically entered to confirm no fire or smoke conditions continued after
the power was shut down. During the investigation some motors were identified as potential
sources of smoke and confirmed that no further immediate hazards were present. Sault Ste. Marie
Fire Department worked with university administrators to establish a plan for students on campus,
as all power was out in dormitories.
The Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department was assisted by Soo Twp. Fire Department, Chippewa County
Central Dispatch, Lake Superior State University Public Safety, Campus Emergency Response Team,
LSSU Maintenance.
