Fire damages Wittich Hall at UW-La Crosse

LA CROSSE (AP) -- A fire damaged one of the oldest buildings at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Firefighters were called around 10:45 p.m. Saturday, June 16th to Wittich Hall. Fire Capt. Todd Adams said the blaze was contained to a basement storage room and extinguished in less than 30 minutes.

There was smoke damage throughout the building.

Vice Chancellor Bob Hetzel says it will remain closed until the damage is assessed.

One firefighter was injured. Adams says he was treated and released.

The cause is under investigation.

Built in 1916, Wittich Hall is the original physical education building on campus. It's listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It houses some departmental offices, the Center for Disability Health and Adaptive Physical Activity, and the women's gymnastics program.