JALC is open with remote learning in place after opening day fire

John A. Logan College is open, but all classes will continue remote learning through at least Aug. 21 following a fire on the first day of school last Wednesday that sent four people to the hospital with symptoms of smoke inhalation.

All four have now been released.

According to Steve O'Keefe, director of college relations, the fire broke out at 11:42 a.m. Aug. 12 due to an electrical system failure.

Campus police were first on the scene where two JALC employees were trapped in an elevator. One of the two used a cellphone to call 911. Carterville firefighters responded, eventually using the "Jaws of Life" to free to the two.

Carterville Fire Chief Ron Rains it was his decision to use the JOL after attempts to open the elevator's inner doors failed.

"There is a mechanism at the top of the doors to release," explains Rains, "but the opening was above the floor."

He said with the amount of smoke and the elapsed time, he made the call to "get them out the fastest way."

"Our guys did a great job," he said. "Everybody had to work together."

Rains said the Herrin Fire Department assisted with manpower while the Johnston City Fire Department was called in with the MABAS ventilation unit.

"I've got to praise them," he said. "They got about 90 percent of the smoke out."

JCFD Chief Tom Burton said the MAVIS ventilation unit housed at his department is one of only seven or eight in the state.

"The next closest is in Belleville," he said.

The MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) is a partnership with IEMA (Illinois Emergency Management Agency) to establish a statewide, nondiscriminatory mutual aid response system for fire, EMS and specialized incident operational teams.

Burton said his department was on the scene for about two and a half hours, managing to clear about 90 percent of the smoke from the building.

O'Keefe said other professional cleaning crews have been present to restore and repair the building.

Rains said the two firefighters from his department were treated and released that evening.

"They're already back on the job," he said.

The two JALC employees have also been released. One of those employees was originally taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale but had to be airlifted to a St. Louis hospital because no ventilator equipment was available at Carbondale.

A Friday news release from O'Keefe stated the fire caused severe smoke damage to parts of the campus. O'Keefe said some offices will remain closed with employees working remotely. All classes will be remote until at least Aug. 21.

"We are well-experienced in working remotely over the past few months, and our staff has communicated and worked with students remarkably well and will continue to do so," JALC President Ron House said.

O'Keefe said advisement has also been extended until 4 p.m. Aug. 20. Students that need registration assistance should email registration@jalc.edu.

O'Keefe also said students that ordered books can pick them up at the Folett's location at SIU.

"It they can't get to Carbondale, the college will absorb the shipping costs," he said.

Information will be made available on the college website, Volmail, and JALCText.