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Fire in Hutchinson Gymnasium Credit: Chris Poliquin

A small fire broke out on the roof of Hutchinson Gymnasium last night, causing little damage.

No injuries were reported, and, according to Penn spokesmen, no one was in the gym at the time of the fire.

The fire was called in by an Allied Barton security guard at about 7 p.m., and it was under control by about 7:30 p.m.

Fire trucks remained on the scene until about 9 p.m.

The women's basketball team, which was practicing in the nearby Palestra, was evacuated as a safety precaution.

Five engines, two ladders, two fire chiefs and a medic unit responded to the call, which firemen on the scene described as a normal response.

Penn Police also responded.

Firemen on the scene said the fire started when plywood on the roof caught fire.

The fire didn't spread beyond the roof area, nor was the roof itself affected.

According to Penn athletics spokesman Mike Mahoney, Hutchinson Gym will "most likely" be open today, though some parts of the building may have restricted access.

The primary damage the building sustained was caused by the water used to put out the fire.

Workers spent several hours cleaning and drying the gym.

The Office of the Fire Marshal, which investigates the causes of fires, could not be reached for comment last night.

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