Photo courtesy of Scott Jones

On Sunday, November 8, a fire damaged Sanderson Hall, one of the primary academic buildings on the Covenant College campus. The fire started in the parking lot next to Sanderson Hall, and the flames began to damage the building’s exterior and caused smoke damage within the building. 

No one was injured. 

The building is home to classrooms, faculty offices, and an auditorium. It has been shut down until further notice. 

The college issued the following statement: 

A vehicle fire occurred next to Sanderson Hall, causing damage to the exterior of the building. The fire did not spread inside Sanderson Hall, and there was no internal fire or water damage. The building did sustain smoke damage.

Most importantly, no one was injured, and we are grateful that the incident resulted only in property damage. We are also extremely thankful for the quick response of our first responders from West Brow Fire Department and Lookout Mountain Fire Department.

Classes will not be held in Sanderson Hall on Monday, November 9, while the building is cleaned and inspected. Students and faculty with classes scheduled in the building will receive information regarding any necessary changes. Please stay clear of Sanderson Hall while it is being inspected and cleaned.

The college will notify the campus community once Sanderson Hall has been cleared and is safe to reopen.