PULLMAN, WA — Firefighters in Pullman responded to a laboratory fire on the campus of Washington State University on Thursday after an automatic fire alarm was triggered.

According to Pullman Fire, two units with four firefighters were initially dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke inside the building and confirmed an active fire, prompting an immediate upgrade in response.

Additional personnel were called in, including the remaining on-duty firefighters, a fire chief and fire marshal, and off-duty staff asked to return to their stations. Some units were initially unavailable due to transporting a patient from a previous emergency but responded once patient care was transferred at the hospital.

Firefighters on scene established standpipe operations, advanced hose lines and located the source of the fire, bringing the situation under control.

Pullman Fire reported that a total of eight firefighters, along with command staff, ultimately responded to the incident.

Officials noted that fires in laboratory settings can be especially complex due to the potential presence of hazardous materials, specialized equipment and multi-story building layouts, which can increase risks to both occupants and responders.

The department also pointed to national response standards from the National Fire Protection Association, which recommend at least 28 firefighters on scene within eight minutes for a mid-rise commercial building fire. The agency said Thursday’s response highlights the challenges of staffing levels during emergencies.

No information on injuries or the extent of damage was immediately available.