Smoke causes fire department response at University Hospital

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Smoke in the Missouri Psychiatric Center that is connected to University Hospital caused a large Columbia Fire Department response Wednesday, but no evacuation was needed, according to a CFD official.

CFD Assistant Chief Lester Shumate said an HVAC system handler started smoking and spread the smoke throughout the first floor via the vents. Twenty CFD firefighters were sent to the scene.

Firetrucks blocked Deans Drive near the children's emergency room entrance during the response.

Firefighters were clearing the scene just before 9:30 a.m.