Steaming Boiler Causes Evacuation of Batavia Community Center

A steaming boiler caused a brief evacuation of the Batavia Eastside Community Center building at 14 North VanBuren St., shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Tri-Com scanners reported a structure fire in the area of VanBuren near Prairie and West Wilson at around 10:08 a.m.

Multiple units were called to the scene, and "smoke" was showing on the east side of the building when first-responders arrived, according to scanner reports. A part of VanBuren Street and one lane of Wilson Street was closed to through traffic.

Officials at the scene reported to Tri-Com that there was no fire, but there was a lot of steam due the boiler issue. Officials remained at the scene to make sure the steam cleared and to test the fire alarm for the center.

Fire officials reported at around 11 a.m. that a steam vent on the boiler opened and released steam into the basement of Shannon Hall. By 11 a.m., students had returned to class and the building was up and running again. 

The Eastside Center officially opened in April of 1996 and provides about 20,000 square feet of program space for the district. The highlight of the Community Center is the 2,700 square foot Shannon Hall, which serves as the site for community meetings, wedding receptions and teen and youth dances, according to the Park District website.

The building is located next to the former Catholic Holy Cross Church, 2300 E. Main St.