Notre Dame buildings evacuated because of smoke

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Several buildings at the University of Notre Dame have been evacuated because of heavy smoke caused by a fire in an underground utility tunnel near the center of campus.

University spokesman Dennis Brown says the student center, two dormitories and several classroom buildings were evacuated Friday morning. He says the fire started around 8:15 a.m. and was put out about three hours later.

One employee was taken to the hospital because of smoke inhalation.

School officials are asking people to stay away from the area while emergency personnel remain on the scene.

The fire also interrupted Internet, telephone and cable television service in some areas of campus. Classes, which started Tuesday, are still being held.