A small brush fire broke out in the wooded area behind 1837 Hall and Prospect Hall on Mount Holyoke College’s campus on Tuesday afternoon. While no flames were visible at time of reporting, a large plume of smoke could be seen emerging from above the trees. Students were evacuated from Prospect Hall and the neighboring Fimbel Maker and Innovation Lab. No injuries have been reported. There appears to be no damage to any residence halls or academic buildings. An MHC Emergency Alert from Public Safety & Services at 1:13 p.m. stated that the fire is “contained.”
In Memoriam: Dwight Hall copper beech cut down after 120 years on campus, community reflects
Dwight Hall's copper beech tree took "severe damage" after last night’s storms, according to an email sent by Mount Holyoke College at 12:32 p.m. today. The trunk had split down the side, creating multiple stress fractures at the tree's base. The College's arborists and tree consultants began trimming the beech this morning. However, according to Grounds Supervisor Dave Barthelette, by 12:59 p.m. they determined it too “unstable” to safely remain upright.
"It has to be taken down," Barthelette said. "It's devastating."