At 11.30a today a fire broke out at a University of the Arts metal foundry studio at the northeast corner of 15th and Pine Sts. According to UArts Chief Communications Officer, Paul Healy, artists in the studio use wax to create bronze sculptures. The casts are placed in a kiln where the wax melts off (lost wax casting). Normally, the wax is burned in the fire of the kiln, but in this case, wax accumulated underneath the kiln, overheated, and caught fire. One person was in the studio at the time of the fire, but got out safely. Onlookers said he ran back inside, twice, after realizing there were several liters of highly flammable liquids still in the studio as the fire department had not made it to the scene at the time.
Approximately 4 ladder companies, 1 snorkel company, 1 SQRT company and loads of EMS crews were on hand to put out the blaze and help anyone in need. Above are firefighters opening up the roof of the building.
By 12.10p, most of the blaze was out after the roof was opened up, but additional water was poured in to cool everything off.
By 12.30p, the fire crews were packing up while the last of the water was poured onto the roof.
There was no word as to how much of the foundry was burned or if it would be reopened anytime soon.
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