Westminster students who have classes at the college's Hoyt Science Center will have classes online after a fire in the building.

A spokesperson for Westminster College told 21 News that students will have their Hoyt Science Center classes online on Friday, February 2. The current plan is to have in-person classes in the building again beginning Monday, February 5.

The change to an online format comes after a small fire broke out in a lab on the second floor of the chemistry and biochemistry wing of the building around 4:40 a.m. Thursday.

No one was in the building at the time and the building's sprinkler system was able to put the flames out before firefighters got to the scene. Smoke and fire damage was contained to one room, but all three floors of the building had water damage.

Firefighters from New Wilmington, Neshannock, Volant, Pulaski, Mercer East and Shenango along with NOGA Ambulance Service all responded to the call.

"We are grateful to the prompt and careful actions of our Public Safety department and the local fire companies that responded to our call," said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. "While the fire was small, we are indeed appreciative of everyone's rapid response."

According ton Westminster College Director of Public Safety Phillip Lenz, the cause of the fire hasn't been determined but is not considered suspicious.