The Rec Center was evacuated at approximately 6:13 p.m. tonight as fire crews inspected smoke in Esslinger Hall. The building is closed for the rest of the night, although students are heading back in pairs to collect their belongings.

UOPD’s Scott Geeting confirmed there was a fire in the building but couldn’t confirm its size, although a UO Alert sent to students described it as small. An investigation is underway to determine the fire’s origin.

Chantelle Russell, assistant director of fitness for the Rec, told student workers the building was closed at approximately 6:50 p.m. before instructing them to lead students in pairs to pick up their belongings.

After the fire started in Esslinger, sprinklers went off upstairs in the Rec Center, leading to water damage that led to the decision to close the building. Rec officials are still assessing the damage.

Logan Maynard, a grad student in human physiology, was working out at the Rec for about 15 minutes before the fire alarm sounded and a building evacuation began.

“Fire alarm just went off and they kinda evacuated everyone onto the street,” he said.

The source of the smoke has not yet been determined and Eugene Fire Department officials positioned fans to blow the smoke out of the west entrance to Esslinger at approximately 6:30 p.m.

This story is developing. More to come.

Craig Garcia contributed to this report.