News release: UAF police find no bombs after morning threat

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Police Department has determined that no explosive devices were present at the buildings mentioned in two Tuesday morning emailed bomb threats. Normal operations at the UAF Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks resumed around 11:30 a.m.

Police received the first email early Tuesday morning. The email, which came from an anonymous address, said that an explosive device may have been left somewhere near the Elvey Building on the west ridge of campus.

Police issued an emergency alert and then blocked off access to West Ridge for about 5 hours while they searched the building and nearby outdoor areas. UAF also canceled morning classes on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus as a precaution, and asked employees working on West Ridge to stay home until the police were able to determine it was safe.

During the response to the initial email, another email with nearly identical language was received saying there might be another device at the Rasmuson Library. Police were able to quickly search the library and the areas outside the building and determined there was no bomb.

Investigation of the incident is ongoing. The UAF Police Department is working with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies on the investigation. The emails appear to be fraudulent and are similar to those reportedly received by multiple other universities in the United States this morning.

CONTACT: Marmian Grimes, 907-474-7902, mlgrimes@alaska.edu

Update: All clear

Police activity related to this morning's bomb threat has been completed. It has been determined that no explosive device was present. Normal campus operations can resume. Classes that begin after 12 p.m. (noon) will happen as scheduled. Employees can return to their offices. 

Update on police activity

Police continue to search the Elvey Building and the areas around the building. Members of the public should avoid the West Ridge area to allow police to safely conduct the search. Updates, as available, will be on this website.

Classes canceled until noon at Troth Yeddha’ Campus, some offices closed

Morning classes on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus are canceled today, Tuesday, Sept. 30. Classes at CTC and other off-campus sites will continue as scheduled. In addition, university offices west of and including the University of Alaska Museum of the North are closed until noon.

Here’s what students need to know:

• If you have a class on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus that starts at noon or earlier, your class is canceled.

• If you have classes at CTC or other off-campus sites, your classes will continue as scheduled.

• Work directly with your instructors if you have questions.

Here’s what employees need to know:

• If you work in the museum, animal care facility or virology lab, or any of the West Ridge buildings west of those locations:

  •  Do not come into the office.

  • Work directly with your supervisor on remote work or flexible scheduling options.

  •  If you are already in the office, stay there and follow instructions from on-site authorities.

• If you work anywhere else on campus:

  •  Come to work according to your normal schedule.

Class cancellation is happening because UAF received an email about a potential explosive device near the Elvey Building on West Ridge. Police have the area blocked off and don’t believe there is any immediate danger, but will be searching the area to ensure it is safe. In an abundance of caution, the university is closing offices in the area and canceling classes to allow police the time and space to confirm that no explosive device is present.

An update will be available before noon. Please visit this website for updates, when available.

Bomb reported at Elvey

Police have received a report of a bomb at the Elvey Building. Prepare to evacuate and follow instructions from authorities. If you are not in the area, please stay away. Updates will be posted on this website when available.

Sampling, testing ongoing

UAF has established and ongoing testing and flushing plan. That plan includes monthly water testing, typically on the second Monday of each month, which is aligned with guidelines from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Flushing of water systems is happening continuously where needed and regularly at the following locations:

• Hess Village

• UA Museum of the North

• Akasofu Building

• Murie Building

• Two fire hydrants between the Museum and the Reichardt Building

Showers in the following buildings are being flushed daily for 15 minutes:

• Duckering

• UA Museum of the North

• Lower level of the Virology Building

• Murie Building

• Akasofu Building

Flushing helps decrease water temperatures, maintain chlorine levels and create an environment hostile to the bacteria. During these efforts, people may see workers running faucets and taking samples in campus buildings.

Showers reopen in Usibelli, Akasofu buildings

In mid-October, we informed the campus community that certain showers in the Akasofu and Usibelli buildings were closed after legionella bacteria were detected in water samples. After taking the following actions, UAF has reopened affected showers:

• Flushed water lines and fixtures to increase water flow and chlorine levels in affected areas

• Installed circulating pumps, which will help maintain optimal levels of chlorine in areas with lower water use

• Replaced shower heads in the Akasofu and Usibelli buildings, as well as the nearby Murie Building

• Conducted follow-up sampling

Thus far, the efforts are working and all showers on campus are open. UAF will continue to work with Facilities Services, consultants and our water provider on a comprehensive plan. In the meantime, we are continuing mitigation measures. 

For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions, scroll down to our FAQs.

Water system update

Following last month's finding of legionella bacteria in low usage locations in the UAF domestic water distribution system, UAF initiated a proactive testing and treatment plan. Testing results indicate that the flushing and treatment have been effective at reducing the presence of bacteria in locations with low water usage. Testing also confirmed the need for flushing where water sits stagnant. UAF will continue flushing and testing to ensure that the bacterial occurrence remains below action limits. 

UAF students, faculty and staff should anticipate seeing Facilities Services personnel continuing to flush water systems around campus and collecting water samples. If and when bacteria are found in ongoing testing, affected fixtures will be temporarily closed for flushing. On weekends, Facilities Services will conduct specialized treatment in specific low-water-usage buildings. 

It is important to note that UAF's drinking water remains safe and meets all regulatory standards. We encourage anyone with questions to review our FAQs or contact Facilities Services at 474-7000. 

Showers closed in two buildings as precaution

UAF has closed showers in the Usibelli and Akasofu buildings after water in the buildings tested positive for legionella bacteria. Users of the showers in those buildings should use the showers at the Student Recreation Center, which recently tested negative for the bacteria. The water in both buildings, and on the UAF campus, is safe for drinking. 

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a bacteria that occurs naturally in the environment and can be found in public water systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vulnerable populations may be susceptible to Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever if they breathe in small water droplets containing the bacteria, such as those produced in showers. Legionella bacteria does not cause illness when people drink the water and does not spread from person to person. 

What actions is UAF taking? 

Although no other instances of legionella have been identified on campus, we will be testing the water in our buildings in the coming days. Users may see periodic shower closures on campus while UAF conducts sampling or makes water adjustments. We are also increasing the chlorine levels throughout the campus water system to disinfect the supply lines. The water will still be safe to drink, but users may taste or smell the slightly higher levels of chlorine. Flushing water throughout the system may also cause some slight discoloration. Running the water for 30 seconds should eliminate the discoloration.

What should you do? 

If you normally use the showers in Akasofu or Usibelli, you are welcome to use the showers at the SRC until the showers in those buildings reopen. SRC membership will not be required to use the showers. Others on campus can continue to use water normally, but can also use the SRC showers if they prefer. 

Where can you get more information?

You can find more information about legionella on the CDC’s website. 

Additional FAQs

For employees and students

For members of the public

Smart911 Alerts

Parents and members of the public can also receive emergency alerts from the university or the City of Fairbanks by signing up with Smart911. Residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough will also have the option to customize their borough Smart911 information.

• Sign up for Smart911 alerts from University of Alaska

• Sign up for Smart911 alerts from the City of Fairbanks

For media inquiries

Refer reporters to UAF public affairs staff or designated spokesperson for information in an emergency:

• Marmian Grimes, communications director, 907-474-7902 or mlgrimes@alaska.edu.

• Kristin Summerlin, public information officer, 907-474-6284 or klsummerlin01@alaska.edu

• Karen Tomasik, communications coordinator, 907-474-6438 or kjtomasik@alaska.edu

• UAF University Relations, uaf-news@alaska.edu.

Related links

• UAF home

• UAF news and events

• UA Office of Information Technology outage communication

• Report an injury or accident