March 19 around 8 p.m. the fire alarm went off in the Thomas Library alerting all to the smoke pouring out of the 3rd floor mechanical room.
Wittenberg Police Officer Edward Hammond was first to appear on the scene. Once the Springfield Fire Division arrived, Hammond reported the smoke and the fire department called for backup.
Once inside the mechanical room, Captain of the Fire Division, Scott Rupp, said they investigated and identified the source: a compressor belt had burned up which created a moderate amount of smoke but no active fire.
Firefighters began to dispel the smoke by opening a nearby exit and setting up fans. Rupp advised Library Manager Karen Balliet to close the library for the night and allow for the remainder of the smoke to disperse.
Hammond made a call to Wittenberg Facilities Management and the library resumed normal operations the following day.
