Fire alarms sound during Ohio University's game after ticket booth incident
Nov 14, 2024
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fire alarms sounded for 45 minutes at Ohio University's Peden Stadium Tuesday night, leading Athens firefighters to respond to smoke from the ticket booth during the Bobcats' game against Eastern Michigan.
According to videos posted to X, the press box fire alarms sounded for around 45 minutes and at least a portion of the credentials room was evacuated. Videos showed firefighters attempting to cut into the affected areas using saws and other tools, and reporters said they covered the remainder of the game outside.
Athens Fire Chief Bob Rymer said a small space heater faulted within the ticket booth. Rymer said a crew of four on-duty firefighters were joined by off-duty personnel to ensure the small fire from the faulty heater did not spread. No one was hurt, and the game continued play.
Director of Ohio University Athletics Administration and Football Communications Sarah Newgarde said the event was a non-issue.
"A minor issue in the credential booth caused the fire alarm to go off, but it was quickly resolved," Newgarde said.
Ohio University went on to win the home game, defeating fellow Mid-American Conference competitor Easter Michigan 35-10. Ohio University is tied for first in the MAC after the win, a 5-1 record tied with Bowling Green and rival Miami. The Bobcats will take on the Toledo Rockets next on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Toledo.